Heavy tracks a thing of the past

NOW the Ballarat Cup has been run and won work has begun on resurfacing the course at the Ballarat Turf Club.

Polytrack manufacturer Martin Collins Australia commenced laying the new synthetic race track almost immediately after the last horse passed the post on race day.

The new track, scheduled to be up and racing on Friday, 17 May, will enable all weather racing and is the next step in the continuing development of the training centre.

While the existing training facility is close to capacity, presently over 500 horses use it, the new polytrack will give trainers rain-or-shine use with the added bonus of accommodating more trainers wishing make a move to Ballarat.

MCA are responsible for having laid polytrack at Melbourne’s Caulfield, Pakenham and Mornington race course.

Managing director Reid Sanders said the new polytrack will provide certainty in scheduling of the Winter racing program.

“The major benefit of polytrack is its consistency no matter what the weather conditions.”

While it doesn’t need watering, seeding or mowing that a turf track requires, it does require daily grooming of the surface to take out the hoof marks.

“Given the central location within Victoria, the new track will be an ideal venue for transferred race meetings as and when required.”

Ballarat Turf Club CEO Lachlan McKenzie said, “We are thrilled to have MCA installing a Polytrack here at Sportsbet-Ballarat as they are a leading global provider of synthetic racing and training surfaces.”