Racing: Pressure on to provide alternative winter footing

Pakenham has developed a blueprint for success. Photo / Bruno Cannatelli

Pressure is mounting on the thoroughbred racing industry to solve the conundrum of raceday abandonments due to unsafe or unsuitable racing surfaces during periods of inclement weather that has once again reared its ugly head in recent months.

Last season 34 race meetings were abandoned which has seen renewed calls for the industry's governing body, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR), to find a solution to what has become a blight on the national racing scene.

While debate has raged for a number of years about the merits of installing one or more synthetic or artificial track surfaces close to our strategic horse populations, little progress has been made.

That situation may be about to change as NZTR boss Bernard Saundry has indicated finding a solution to the issue is one of his main priorities as he settles into his new position.

The former Racing Victoria chief executive doesn't have to look too far for a possible solution, having considerable experience with the development of the new Pakenham Racing Club operation in Australia during his previous role.

In 2008, the Pakenham committee made the monumental decision to sell their existing property to establish a state-of-the-art complex at a new location that encompasses dual racing surfaces (grass and synthetic). The track also hosts night racing.

"It was a brave decision by the club to embark on such an ambitious project," Pakenham chief executive Michael Hodge said. "It is fair to say the wider industry didn't share our enthusiasm in the early days and it was very tough to get any momentum going."

Over a period of six years the club developed a blueprint for success that saw them move to a new site, which was developed to incorporate a 2000m Polytrack racing surface with a 350m home straight along with a separate 2400m turf track that surrounds the artificial surface.

"By late 2014 we were nearly at the stage where we could get racing under way and we held our first meeting at the new location on March 26, 2015.

"Currently we underpin Victoria's Thursday night wagering circuit with $7-$9 million in turnover each week, which makes it the fourth largest wagering hub for the state," he said.

"In addition to this, the club runs up to 10 transfer race-meetings per annum from other tracks. this is saving the industry up to $500,000 a year in reducing lost and abandoned meetings via lost wagering turnover and other costs."

One of those impressed by the Pakenham set-up is New Zealand Trainers' Association president Tony Pike, who recently visited several Australian venues with artificial racing surfaces to see first-hand what options for a New Zealand solution could look like.

"Pakenham was one of the places we went to and I was impressed with what is being built there.

"The complex is very impressive and both the grass and artificial surfaces received praise from the various industry people we spoke with.

"We are at the stage in New Zealand where we have to do something drastic as the current level of abandonments is killing us.

"I don't think just one artificial track will be enough but we have to start somewhere and that work has to become a major priority for our governing body."

- NZ Racing Desk