Ellerslie adds extra safety feature to new racing surface

The new Ellerslie crossing passed its first test perfectly as horses galloped across it this week. Photo / ATR

Ellerslie has added one of the last pieces planned for its new track, with the move welcomed by jockeys.

A new surface has been installed for the crossing on the bend heading out of the straight, one designed to provide greater consistency between the StrathAyr course proper and the crossing area needed for access to the inside of the track.

The new crossing surface should feel similar to a Good 4 range track, whereas the older one was firmer and the difference between it and the racetrack was more noticeable to horses.

The newer surface creates a smoother, more uniform footing for horses and reduces the risk of slips or hesitation.

It is also green to blend in with the surrounding turf, providing a consistent visual cue for horses and reducing the likelihood of shying on approach.

Developed and installed by Gallop Track and Equine Crossing Australia (ECA), the system uses a rebound mat base that cushions impact and allows water to pass quickly through the surface, even in heavy rain.

The crossing is built to handle horse, vehicle and truck traffic, requires only light grooming for raceday presentation, and does not require watering, with the surface remaining stable without additional moisture.

Auckland Thoroughbred Racing chief executive Paul Wilcox said the project was a milestone for Ellerslie.

“We’re incredibly proud to be the first club in New Zealand to install a crossing of this standard,” said Wilcox.

“This project is about more than just infrastructure, it’s about doing everything we can to improve safety for two of our most important participants on raceday – the jockeys and the horses.

“It’s satisfying to deliver something that lifts the bar for the entire industry and we hope other clubs will consider installing similar crossings after seeing the benefits here at Ellerslie.”

Six horses galloped across the new crossing on Monday morning. Wilcox said seeing that and hearing positive feedback from the riders “was a great moment for our team”.

Senior jockey Samantha Collett said the horses travelled confidently and without hesitation.

“It was great out there this morning. I thought it rode nicely, with the new surface a lot softer to ride across,” said Collett.

“It’s certainly a fantastic new asset for Ellerslie.”

ECA’s Mick White said the crossing’s design represents a new benchmark for racetrack safety.

“We believe this is the safest crossing in the world,” said White.

“The profile is made up of a stone drainage layer, a hex safety mat, and a rebound safety mat, topped with 150mm of green synthetic fibre.

“The rebound mat limits bottom-up compaction and aids drainage, while the top layer replicates turf so the horses can’t tell the difference between the crossing and the course proper.”

The ECA Rebound Crossing is already in use at major Australian venues including Flemington, Ballarat, Sandown and Elwick, with further installations confirmed for Queensland and South Australia.

Feedback from Australian jockeys and trainers has been consistently positive, noting the natural feel underfoot and improved confidence for horses.

Racegoers will see the crossing in action for the first time when it makes its raceday debut at Ellerslie’s Spring Raceday on Saturday.

Michael Guerin wrote his first nationally published racing articles while still in school and started writing about horse racing and the gambling industry for the Herald as a 20-year-old in 1990. He became the Herald’s Racing Editor in 1995 and covers the world’s biggest horse racing carnivals.