Tuesday, 24 April 2012: Racing Queensland held jump outs on the newly upgraded Ooralea Park course proper at Mackay on Tuesday with the track meeting universal approval.
Top Gold Coast jockey Chris Whiteley flew to Mackay to ride in the first track assessment jumpouts on the new track and was pleased with the outcome.
“I've ridden at some of the biggest tracks in Australia and the Mackay track stacks up amongst them," said Whiteley.
"I'd put it right up there now; it is truly state-of-the-art.
"It's in perfect order to begin racing next week. The horses are hardly marking the track, just their toes are going into the turf, and with a week's growing and a bit thicker grass surface you won't even see that.
"It really is in perfect order.”
Over 30 horses went over the course proper in the jumpouts and feedback was positive.
The Australian Jockeys Association recently gave the all clear to the Mackay Turf Club and is of the opinion the track surface is world class.
RQL facilities and maintenance manager Warren Williams appreciated the feedback from jockeys, trainers and industry experts and was satisfied the track assessment jumpouts went to plan.
"I am buoyed that industry participants and stakeholders, including track officials from the Brisbane Racing Club and Gold Coast Turf Club, have now experienced this track and are as excited about the quality as I am," said Williams.
“We look forward to Mackay returning to racing on May 5."
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