Ellerslie has taken the next step in their return to racing, hosting a successful set of jumpouts for Auckland-trained horses, with 70 horses running against the rail and 28 outside cones on the course proper.
Feedback from stakeholders, including the Racing Integrity Board, was positive regarding the track’s performance. Auckland Thoroughbred Racing (ATR) management remains confident that the track is on the right path for a successful season.
In a further commitment to ensuring top track conditions, ATR and New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) flew in Flemington track manager Liam O’Keefe for a detailed review, with inspections on both Monday and Tuesday.
“It’s very pleasing to see the progress the track has made since my last visit in May. While I was here, we developed a maintenance plan aimed at improving traction for horses,” O’Keefe said.
“It is clear, after observing the track following the jumpouts, that the maintenance plan is working effectively, allowing horses to penetrate the profile and thus providing safe racing conditions.”
ATR CEO Paul Wilcox echoed O’Keefe sentiments, stating, “We are naturally pleased with the renovation work that’s been done, and the feedback we’ve received indicates we are right on track. The expertise and guidance provided by Liam, alongside Chris Hay of Tasmania, have been invaluable in achieving these results.”
Looking ahead, trials are scheduled for Tuesday, 10 September, with jumpouts for Open horses (outside cones) set to commence immediately after the trials.
Following the partial abandonments of race meetings at Ellerslie on April 10 and April 20, ATR elected to proceed with their planned winter renovation of their newly installed StrathAyr track immediately.
Ellerslie is scheduled to return to racing on September 21 with an eight-race card.
