Ellerslie Track Update 04 September 2024

[Chief Stipe]

MEETING NEWS

Ellerslie Track Update

 

Jumpouts Successfully Staged at Ellerslie as Track Preparation Progresses

 

3 September 2024

Yesterday, Ellerslie hosted a successful set of jumpouts for Auckland-trained horses, with 70 horses running against the rail and 28 outside cones on the course proper. This event marks another significant milestone in Auckland Thoroughbred Racing’s (ATR) preparation for their upcoming racing season.

Feedback from stakeholders, including the Racing Integrity Board (RIB), was positive regarding the track’s performance. ATR management remains confident that the track is on the right path for an exciting and successful season.

In a further commitment to ensuring top track conditions, ATR and New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) flew in Flemington track manager Liam O’Keefe for a detailed review. After his inspection yesterday afternoon and this morning, O’Keefe commented, “It’s very pleasing to see the progress the track has made since my last visit in May. While I was here, we developed a maintenance plan aimed at improving traction for horses. It is clear, after observing the track following the jumpouts, that the maintenance plan is working effectively, allowing horses to penetrate the profile and thus providing safe racing conditions.”

ATR CEO Paul Wilcox echoed these sentiments, stating, “We are naturally pleased with the renovation work that’s been done, and the feedback we’ve received indicates we are right on track. The expertise and guidance provided by Liam, alongside Chris Hay of Tasmania, have been invaluable in achieving these results.”

Looking ahead, trials are scheduled for Tuesday, 10 September, with jumpouts for Open horses (outside cones) set to commence immediately after the trials.

[Chief Stipe]

I heard the same comments 7 months ago.

"Renovation work" on a track that has barely been used.  At least it is clear now to the deniers that the track wasn't right KM night.

Here's hoping they've fixed it otherwise it's eggs and one basket.

[Chief Stipe]

22 minutes ago, Chief Stipe said:

that the maintenance plan is working effectively, allowing horses to penetrate the profile and thus providing safe racing conditions.”

What was the Track penetrometer and moisture reading on Tuesday?  I assume they took readings?

Auckland had an inch of rain on Sunday.

[mikeynz]

28 minutes ago, Chief Stipe said:

I heard the same comments 7 months ago.

"Renovation work" on a track that has barely been used.  At least it is clear now to the deniers that the track wasn't right KM night.

Here's hoping they've fixed it otherwise it's eggs and one basket.

Well there is always Ruakaka or Puke as back up.

[Chief Stipe]

Just now, mikeynz said:

Well there is always Ruakaka or Puke as back up.

Ruakaka could sustain more racing.  I doubt Pukekohe could.

[Huey]

1 hour ago, Chief Stipe said:

Ruakaka could sustain more racing.  I doubt Pukekohe could.

But could we sustain having to watch more racing from Ruakaka , that is the eternal question.

[Chief Stipe]

1 minute ago, Huey said:

But could we sustain having to watch more racing from Ruakaka , that is the eternal question.

I know which the Trainers would prefer - no question.

[mikeynz]

I was going to mention Woodville would also be on standby but I then thought surely they wouldn't shift a northern meeting that far south

[Chief Stipe]

4 hours ago, mikeynz said:

I was going to mention Woodville would also be on standby but I then thought surely they wouldn't shift a northern meeting that far south

They just shifted Te Aroha to Woodville.

[TAB For Ever]

10 hours ago, Chief Stipe said:

They just shifted Te Aroha to Woodville.

The final Jumps racing day of year......should be 4 jumps races ,plus an amateurs race and possibly highweights as well.