WARRNAMBOOL’S new synthetic sand fibre training track will allow horses to be worked in all weather conditions all year round, according to Warrnambool Racing Club chief executive Peter Downs.
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The $1.2 million state-of-the-art track, which has upgraded drainage and a fully-automated irrigation system, is based on models already used at Werribee, Pakenham and Mornington.
Downs said the new surface should be a big asset to south-west trainers.
“We’re confident the new synthetic training track will be a big winner for trainers,” he said.
“The track, manufactured and installed by Martin Collins Australia, will deliver a reliable and consistent galloping surface all year round regardless of the weather.
“The project has taken over three months, as we had to pull up the old synthetic surface and put in new drainage, plus a fully-automated watering system, before laying the new surface.”
Racing Victoria and the Victorian Government, through its Victorian Racing Infrastructure Fund, have contributed the major part of the funds for the project, with more support coming from Country Racing Victoria.
“It's great to get the on-going support from the racing industry and the government into the training facilities here in Warrnambool,” Downs said.
“Trainers have been using the new surface for the last few days and they have given the thumbs up. It's wonderful to get the positive feedback from the trainers regarding the surface.”
The sand fibre training track is open Monday to Saturday.