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The first gallops on the new Kensington track at Royal Randwick will be held next week ahead of two official barrier trials later in March.

The Australian Turf Club is undertaking final works including the placement of running rails to prepare the new surface for its first gallop test.

Following scheduled gallops late next week, two barrier trials are planned for the Kensington track on Tuesday 13 March, followed by a second on Monday 26 March.

ATC and Racing NSW officials will assess the results and feedback from jockeys and trainers after the gallops and trials ahead of any planned return date for a full race meeting.

Australian Turf Club General Manager Tracks Lindsay Murphy said: “This has been the most carefully planned and managed project we have undertaken with any of our tracks, and the gallops and trials will be the next important step.

“From day one we have been determined not to rush any stage of the rebuild until we have been 100 per cent happy with the testing and progress of the soil and grass growth.

“Following the trials and further assessment of the track we will be in a better position to announce a date for a return to racing, hopefully toward the back end of the Autumn.’’