Grass takes a break

RACING Victoria and the Pakenham Racing Club have announced that Racing.com Park – the new Pakenham Racecourse – will race exclusively on its Polytrack synthetic surface this winter.
The decision, which follows the PRC’s highly successful opening of Racing.com Park on Thursday 26 March, has been made to ensure that the turf track is not over-taxed in its first year of racing.
As a result of RV and the PRC’s desire to manage the turf track’s initial workload, the following four meetings have been transferred throughout June and July 2015:
Thursday, 4 June – Racing.com Park Turf transferred to Racing.com Park Synthetic
Sunday, 21 June – Racing.com Park Turf transferred to Cranbourne (Turf)
Sunday, 5 July – Racing.com Park Turf transferred to Racing.com Park Synthetic
Sunday, 19 July – Racing.com Park Turf transferred to Cranbourne (Turf)
RV Racing Operations Manager, Paul Bloodworth, said the transfers would allow the racing surface to benefit from a break after its first four meetings to ensure it remains in optimal condition.
“The track raced exceptionally well at its Grand Opening Raceday last Thursday and we were delighted with the positive feedback it received from riders and trainers alike,” Bloodworth said.
“That being said, we have learnt from previous experience that it is best to be conservative with new tracks and we have therefore decided to transfer these four meetings to give the turf track an extended break over its first winter.
“By reducing the workload over its first winter we’re taking a proactive step to avoid any of the potential issues which can arise with new tracks… a decision that will benefit the track over the next 10 to 20 years.”
The transfers mean the last meeting to be held on the Racing.com Park turf track this season will be on Sunday, 17 May, with the world-class Polytrack synthetic track programmed to host its first meeting on Tuesday, 26 May.
Racing will return to the turf track on Thursday, 3 September.
“The decision to transfer these four meetings has been made jointly between the Club and RV, taking into consideration expert advice from Evergreen Turf – the company that constructed the track,” PRC Chief Executive, Michael Hodge, said.
“Given the flexibility the Polytrack offers the Club, the decision to race solely on Polytrack this winter is a simple one. The Club will continue to take a prudent approach to its turf management particularly in the critical first year phase.”