Chief Stipe Posted April 15 Share Posted April 15 New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing [NZTR] and Auckland Thoroughbred Racing [ATR] would like to provide an update on the 'Return to Racing' for Ellerslie Racecourse. Following the Club's abandonment on Wednesday 10 April, all work that was prescribed has now been completed. A set of eight trials were held successfully at Ellerslie Racecourse today [Monday 15 April] giving the Club clearance to return to racing. A number of industry personnel and senior jockeys were in attendance at the trials today to monitor the surface including representatives from; Strathayr, the Racing Integrity Board, NZTR and ATR. The overarching feedback NZTR and ATR received following the trials was positive, with the following comments provided by senior jockeys on the state of the track: "The track felt a lot better – they [ATR] obviously had done a lot of work on it since Wednesday. The horses are getting a good bit of traction and there’s actually a bit of kick back now, which highlights the more traction the horses are getting." - Senior Jockey Warren Kennedy "I noticeably felt more traction and more give in the track. The machinery work and the spreading of sand since last Thursday has certainly seen an improvement.” - Senior Jockey Craig Grylls The first race meeting set to be held back at Ellerslie will be Saturday 20 April 2024. We extend our gratitude to Chris Hay from Elwick Racecourse for his assistance and advice post-abandonment. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact either NZTR or ATR below. Darin Balcombe Chief Operating Officer Darin.Balcombe@nztr.co.nz Craig Baker Executive General Manager-Racing and Operations craigb@ellerslie.co.nz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief Stipe Posted April 15 Author Share Posted April 15 Doesn't exactly instil a lot of confidence. Begs the question if less than a week's work can "fix it" why wasn't it done before? 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief Stipe Posted April 15 Author Share Posted April 15 Just a question for @Freda and @curious and any other lingering trainers. If a track is primarily coarse sand and shifty do horses get down on their heels more? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief Stipe Posted April 15 Author Share Posted April 15 Well @Freda they didn't get a dairy farmer from Reefton to sort it out instead a Track Manager from Elwick in Tasmania. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
curious Posted April 15 Share Posted April 15 Can't answer that really. In my experience it is more likely on surfaces with little give but be interesting to see what the likes of Freda with miles more experience think. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
curious Posted April 15 Share Posted April 15 1 minute ago, Chief Stipe said: Well @Freda they didn't get a dairy farmer from Reefton to sort it out instead a Track Manager from Elwick in Tasmania. The question that hasn't been answered is how and why it got like this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief Stipe Posted April 15 Author Share Posted April 15 1 minute ago, curious said: Can't answer that really. In my experience it is more likely on surfaces with little give but be interesting to see what the likes of Freda with miles more experience think. OK - Ellerslie hasn't had much give from what I've seen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief Stipe Posted April 15 Author Share Posted April 15 An Update from Darin Balcombe – Tracks and Infrastructure 26 October 2023 An Update from Darin Balcombe – Tracks and Infrastructure NZTR is pleased to provide an update on the state of its tracks and infrastructure across the country. With several noteworthy milestones achieved in recent weeks, we anticipate an exceptional season of racing for the remainder of Spring and Summer. NZTR | October 26, 2023 Ellerslie Racecourse Ellerslie Racecourse is progressing well, with plans for a return to racing on 14 January. An assessment in mid-October, led by Strathayr's agronomist and Chris Hay from Elwick racecourse in Tasmania, confirmed the track's readiness for horses to gallop as planned in mid-to-late November. ATR have a comprehensive plan in place for a smooth return to racing, including gallops by four horses on 13 November, followed by further track gallops for 12 to 15 horses covering all areas of the track, jumpouts for 80 horses about 4 December, and trials for horses around 19 December. The final decision to resume racing at Ellerslie will depend on the successful completion of these steps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief Stipe Posted April 15 Author Share Posted April 15 Mmmm I wonder if Elwick is a customised StrathAyr? Track guru gives Elwick green light Roger Oldridge@roger_oldridge8 January, 2021 Flemington track manager Liam O'Keeffe Racing will soon return to Tasmania’s Elwick Racecourse with the troubled surface set to be back near peak condition in time for next month’s Hobart Cup. Moonee Valley track manager, Marty Synan, and his Flemington counterpart, Liam O’Keeffe, this week answered a SOS from Tas Racing CEO, Paul Eriksson, to assist with the recovery of the track after it was deemed unsafe for racing, in turn forcing the abandonment of the Tasmanian Guineas meeting a fortnight ago. Works done in early December damaged some sections of the track which were then not suitably repaired. “Since then they have done sufficient remedial works to those areas, cutting out big, deep square turf blocks that take very quickly in the track,” O’Keeffe said. “That has covered up the damaged areas and they are now recovering, and they’ll be fit to race on January 24.” The Elwick racecourse re-opened less than 12 months ago after a $12.5 million track redevelopment in which a 28 -metre StrathAyr grass track was laid, the same surface as Moonee Valley. Whilst most of the track was and is in perfect condition, it was, according to O’Keeffe, the attempted removal of thatch grass which ultimately cause the potentially catastrophic issues. “They’ve tried to do some works to the track to pull some thatch (grass) out of the track and they’ve probably done it in a little too short a timeframe given the equipment they used,” O’Keeffe said. “Moving forward we’ll recommend they use a different type of machine which will pull the thatch out but not damage the grass cover. “There are certainly a few different things they’ll need to change moving forward but that will make the track better over the next few years.” O’Keeffe and Synan will continue to assist and consult with Tasmanian Racing to make sure issues akin to this don’t happen again. “We’ll be more than happy to do that; help them with programs, rail movement, fertilizers and general maintenance.” Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Racing will soon return to Tasmania’s Elwick Racecourse with the troubled surface set to be back near peak condition in time for next month’s Hobart Cup. Moonee Valley track manager, Marty Synan, and his Flemington counterpart, Liam O’Keeffe, this week answered a SOS from Tas Racing CEO, Paul Eriksson, to assist with the recovery of the track after it was deemed unsafe for racing, in turn forcing the abandonment of the Tasmanian Guineas meeting a fortnight ago. Works done in early December damaged some sections of the track which were then not suitably repaired. “Since then they have done sufficient remedial works to those areas, cutting out big, deep square turf blocks that take very quickly in the track,” O’Keeffe said. “That has covered up the damaged areas and they are now recovering, and they’ll be fit to race on January 24.” The Elwick racecourse re-opened less than 12 months ago after a $12.5 million track redevelopment in which a 28 -metre StrathAyr grass track was laid, the same surface as Moonee Valley. Whilst most of the track was and is in perfect condition, it was, according to O’Keeffe, the attempted removal of thatch grass which ultimately cause the potentially catastrophic issues. “They’ve tried to do some works to the track to pull some thatch (grass) out of the track and they’ve probably done it in a little too short a timeframe given the equipment they used,” O’Keeffe said. “Moving forward we’ll recommend they use a different type of machine which will pull the thatch out but not damage the grass cover. “There are certainly a few different things they’ll need to change moving forward but that will make the track better over the next few years.” O’Keeffe and Synan will continue to assist and consult with Tasmanian Racing to make sure issues akin to this don’t happen again. “We’ll be more than happy to do that; help them with programs, rail movement, fertilizers and general maintenance.”
Chief Stipe Posted April 15 Author Share Posted April 15 The plot thickens. https://www.facebook.com/share/v/37v59bJ5UdiTq41x/?mibextid=w8EBqM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief Stipe Posted April 15 Author Share Posted April 15 Am I reading this correctly but Elwick in Tasmania had the exact same problem as Ellerslie? Perhaps we need an approach like they have in the aviation industry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freda Posted April 15 Share Posted April 15 32 minutes ago, curious said: Can't answer that really. In my experience it is more likely on surfaces with little give but be interesting to see what the likes of Freda with miles more experience think. I'm probably not much help either, inasmuch as some horses will always get down on their bumpers irrespective of surface, and some never will. Depends on conformation and often a shoeing tweak is all that is required. But for a horse that is susceptible, the more coarse and abrasive, the worse it is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freda Posted April 15 Share Posted April 15 37 minutes ago, Chief Stipe said: Well @Freda they didn't get a dairy farmer from Reefton to sort it out instead a Track Manager from Elwick in Tasmania. Dairy farmer from Reefton would have been MUCH cheaper. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freda Posted April 15 Share Posted April 15 8 minutes ago, Chief Stipe said: Am I reading this correctly but Elwick in Tasmania had the exact same problem as Ellerslie? Perhaps we need an approach like they have in the aviation industry. Doesn't give one a lot of confidence. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
curious Posted April 15 Share Posted April 15 1 minute ago, Freda said: Dairy farmer from Reefton would have been MUCH cheaper. Why they would get someone from Elwick where they have had more problems than Ellerslie is beyond me. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief Stipe Posted April 15 Author Share Posted April 15 14 minutes ago, curious said: Why they would get someone from Elwick where they have had more problems than Ellerslie is beyond me. It seems they've copied what Elwick did but forgot the learnings. So essentially ARC have spent $55m to have exactly the same track as they had before. How iconic - I mean ironic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
curious Posted April 15 Share Posted April 15 9 hours ago, Freda said: I'm probably not much help either, inasmuch as some horses will always get down on their bumpers irrespective of surface, and some never will. Depends on conformation and often a shoeing tweak is all that is required. But for a horse that is susceptible, the more coarse and abrasive, the worse it is. Certainly, in the US on dirt tracks, most horses wear bumper bandages. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark D Posted April 15 Share Posted April 15 Seems premature and sign of a club and industry grasping at straws 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief Stipe Posted April 15 Author Share Posted April 15 Apparently the CEO said they were putting another 3000 tonnes of sand on the track? Has anyone else heard that? That is about 50mm covering 3.6 hectares. Or 2 inches over 9 acres. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
curious Posted April 15 Share Posted April 15 10 minutes ago, Chief Stipe said: Apparently the CEO said they were putting another 3000 tonnes of sand on the track? Has anyone else heard that? That is about 50mm covering 3.6 hectares. Or 2 inches over 9 acres. Said that on Weigh In though I wouldn't put it past him to have his numbers confused. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief Stipe Posted April 15 Author Share Posted April 15 6 minutes ago, curious said: Said that on Weigh In though I wouldn't put it past him to have his numbers confused. It is a shyte load of sand on a track that already has 300mm in the top layer! This fixation with sand has me completely baffled. Did they get a good deal on it when doing the AWT's? Please don't tell me it is imported as well!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Special Agent Posted April 16 Share Posted April 16 I thought the general consensus over the years was that sand slitting didn't work. It seems they are going the whole hog now, which you'd think would blow the problem out to huge proportions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief Stipe Posted April 16 Author Share Posted April 16 Sometimes you just have to love the irony of Google Ads. Just been dished up this. They look ideal for Ellerslie! All Terrain Hoof Boots! Scoot Boot Scoot Boots All Terrain Hoof Boots Shop Now Ride Anywhere With Scoot Boots Scoot Boots are designed by a farrier for the barefoot horse to allow free and natural movement across all terrain. Our boots are perfect for all riding disciplines and a dependable rehab and transition boot. Open Toe and Side Vents Open Toe and Side Vents For drainage, ventilation and open toe for optimum break over Scoot Tread Scoot Tread For secure grip and great traction over all terrain. Secure & Easy to put on Secure & Easy to put on No cables or velcro. Precise fit to the hoof wall. Flexible, Shock Absorbing Sole Flexible, Shock Absorbing Sole Provides comfort for joints and soles when on harsh terrain. Lightweight & Low Profile Lightweight & Low Profile Sleek and light design ideal for competition. Removable Straps Removable Straps Fun coloured options available to make your boots stand out. Depend On Scoot Boots For The Trails Ride Anywhere You Choose Scoot Boots protect you over all types of terrain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief Stipe Posted April 16 Author Share Posted April 16 https://au.scootboots.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief Stipe Posted April 16 Author Share Posted April 16 Anyway the sand is the problem and putting more on doesn't help. $55m stuff up. They might be able to race on it in the winter...oh that's right Ellerslie isn't doing that anymore. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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