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Auckland Racing Club has confirmed racing will resume at Ellerslie on October 27 following a successful test on its course proper on Monday.
Ellerslie has not hosted any race meetings since Auckland Cup Week in March to allow for a drainage upgrade of its main track.
On Monday 12 horses ridden by senior jockeys Samantha Spratt, Samantha Collett, Matt Cameron, Opie Bosson, Vinnie Colgan and Shafiq Rusof galloped in pairs on the course proper in what was the track’s second test since work was completed.All jockeys were unanimous in their praise of the track
“The team at Ellerslie have done a great job,” Matt Cameron said. “The track is in fantastic order and I look forward to racing at Ellerslie next month.”Experienced stipendiary steward Alan Coles was also pleased with the surface after watching Monday’s gallops.
“I had the opportunity to oversee a number of horses gallop on the entire width of the racing surface,” Coles said.“I spoke to each jockey about the track. All were positive.
“It had a very good sole of grass and the entire track was consistent. They also noted the surface was suitable for a return to racing.“I also feel the track surface is excellent and am confident for the scheduled return to racing at Ellerslie.”
Auckland Racing Club Chief Executive Officer Paul Wilcox was delighted with the feedback from jockeys and officials.“Naturally, we are delighted with the result of this testing and are grateful to have had the support of the senior jockeys, trainers and owners who all helped make this crucial part of the process happen,” he said.
“We have been impressed with how well the track has progressed since the drainage work was completed, but the truth was in how it stood up to testing and I am delighted that it made it through both testing stages to such applause.”