THE new $3.3m Allan Scott Glenburnie Racecourse track is just months away from reopening to the thunder of hooves following a 12 month shut down.
The Mount Gambier Racing Club is buoyed by progress of the track, which was completely rebuilt to end years of uncertainty due to water logging.
Lush green grass now blankets the track following the former circuit being reconstructed with new irrigation and extensive subsurface drainage.
The club plans to hold its first meeting on the rejuvenated track on Friday, April 12, ahead of the Scott Group of Companies Gold Cup on Friday, May 10.
It will be the first Gold Cup raced at the facility for 18 months.
Club general manager Brett Watson said the new all-weather, free-draining track was performing well.
“The root system is deep and we are continuing to apply fertiliser and water to the track to give it a boost,” Mr Watson said.
While the roots were deep, he said they now needed to thicken to withstand the rigours of racing.
“But you walk over (the track), you would think it was good to go. In the middle of winter I walked on the track and it was firm to walk on,” Mr Watson said.
“The roots have travelled down to the gravel base, but we need it to thicken up so it holds when the horses go over it.”
Mr Watson foreshadowed the track should be excellent condition for the running of the Gold Cup.
“Even during winter and the wet weather in December, the drainage was working well. With the irrigation, you pretty much see if going through.”
While most of the work was completed, he said railing needed to be installed before racing could get under way.
“We also need to survey the track to get all the starting positions because the track has changed,” Mr Watson said.
While the first official race was earmarked for April, he said a number of trials could be held on the track in March.
“But again, it is a wait and see scenario to see how the track is travelling,” Mr Watson added.
“It will be great to leave the troubles concerning the track behind the club and move forward.”
Explaining it been a difficult period for the club, he said the racing organisation was confident of a bright future given the multi-million-dollar new track.
“It has been challenging in the sense there has been no income during the works, but Thoroughbred Racing SA has provided great support to get us through.”
Regarding the Gold Cup, he said it should be a huge given there was no event last year.
“People have already been locking in marquees for the cup,” the racecourse manager said.
Mr Watson also thanked the trainers for supporting the club during the shut down, which had disrupted local racing and training schedules.
“While it has been challenging for trainers, the work had to be done. Looking forward hopefully will not have any troubles again,” he said.
“It is short term pain for a long term gain.”
