Racing: New features make Hatrick safest track

Racing Minister Nathan Guy visited Hatrick Raceway this week to check out safety measures which were part-funded by his Racing Safety Development Fund. He was shown around by NZ Greyhound animal welfare officer Greg Kerr. Photo/Bevan Conley

Hatrick Raceway has the safest greyhound track in the country thanks to new safety railing and padding.

Racing Minister Nathan Guy was in Wanganui on Tuesday and took time to check out the track's new features, which were partly funded by the government's Racing Safety Development Fund.

Padding has been installed on two bends and steriline railing has been placed around the track, alongside the old steel. The spring-backed padding has been placed where the most injuries occurred and is there to protect dogs which come in contact with the fence. The white plastic railing is flexible and provides a buffer between the dogs and the steel railing.

The design is also higher than the old railing and prevents dogs from tumbling over the other side and instead pushes them back on to the track.

"Dogs that hit it always got up on the videos we've seen," NZ Greyhound animal welfare officer Greg Kerr said.

Hatrick Raceway is the first track in the country to get the railing, though installation is being planned for other tracks.

"We should have the safest track in the country right here right now," Mr Kerr said.

Another feature of the railing is its clear colour on the Guyton St side of the track, which makes it easier for spectators and TV cameras to pick up the dogs.

The safety work has been carried out over the past year.

Mr Kerr said $324,000 would be spent on the padding and railing on the country's seven tracks with work half funded by the government.