Racing: Synthetic track ideal says retired strapper

Garry Trow, of Havelock North, who used to work for leading horse trainer Eric Temperton, says the Awapuni and Trentham tracks have just about had it. Photo/Warren Buckland

It's time to introduce synthetic tracks to thoroughbred racecourses in the Central Districts region, says a retired strapper from Hawke's Bay.

"The Awapuni and Trentham tracks have just about had it," says Garry Trow, of Havelock North. "I was watching the Wellington races today [Saturday] and it was just a mud hole," says the 63-year-old, who used to work for leading horse trainer Eric Temperton in Manawatu in the 1960s to'70s.

Trow was involved with Temperton-trained Open handicap winners Purdie and Young Ida, as well as jumper Thaun, who won the Great Northern Steeples.

The Hohepa Homes caregiver says Hawke's Bay Racing chief executive Jason Fleming did not need to go to Hong Kong on an expenses paid trip this month to find out what is needed to revamp the thoroughbred industry here.

"If they went to Geelong in Victoria, they would find out they are using synthetic tracks there," says Trow, after Fleming was part of a delegation of 12 to attend the 35th Asian Racing Conference from May 4-9.

Delegates (830) from 23 countries converged to engage in 16 seminars, where 68 speakers from within and outside the racing industry shared their insights.

However, the trip has come under scrutiny from Kiwi trainers, who are planning disruptive action nationwide after a vote of no confidence in New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR). The trainers have questioned the value of the conference.

Fleming told Hawke's Bay Today last week the conference was "very thought provoking", enabling the delegates to brainstorm with the world's best racing minds.

In the face of challenges from other leisure entertainment industries, he felt it was vital to "raise the bar" here.

Fleming is compiling a comprehensive report from the trip to present to the NZTR, who paid the delegates' conference fees, while the Bay board picked up the tab on his travel and accommodation expenses.

Trow says the Bay racecourse in Hastings also needs a synthetic track.

"It wouldn't go astray. They should put it inside the existing track. That will also mean the grass tracks will get a rest over winter."

He says the synthetic tracks are also ideal for training because "it's not that hard on the horses".

Trow also questions the way meetings are staged in the Bay, mystified why, for example, $20,000 races were tucked early between a rash of $7000 flat races last Thursday.

The main hurdle and steeplechase events should have been held later in the afternoon, to keep the crowds at the racecourse.

"For families on Saturdays, they have to take their children to rugby and other matches in the mornings so the premier races should be run in the afternoons.

"The flat races, such as the maiden and hacks races which are worth nothing, should be held first," he says, not buying into "silly excuses" about time and manpower required to set up hurdles but he suspects the TAB may be governing the schedule.

Trow says plans to shift the racecourse to the Hawke's Bay Showgrounds to share a compact venue with the A and P Society and Horse of the Year Show are also futile.

"We're not getting crowds like we used to anyway so why move? It will be a lot cheaper to put in synthetic tracks."

Fleming has revealed the feasibility study on the proposed shift will be presented next month.