IN a positive move for harness racing in the Riverina the first sod was turned at the site of the new Wagga track at Cartwrights Hill today.
The New South Wales Minister for Racing Paul Toole was in attendance alongside Harness Racing NSW Chairman Chris Edwards and his fellow Board Members for the significant milestone.
“The journey has been a lengthy one from when we first called for expressions of interest in a Riverina Super Centre back in 2006,” Edwards said.
“But now that we are finally at this stage, it is pleasing to know that in a year’s time we will have completed a strategy to install 1000m tracks in all the regions Hunter, Western and Southern.
“What is really positive for Wagga is that what we have learned from the other projects has been enhanced, corrected or improved with this last instalment.”
The long-awaited project will see a 1070m race track constructed with a width of 20m to accommodate 10 horses starting off the front row, if required.
There will be a camber of 10 degrees on the 110m radius turns to assist with equine welfare, driver safety and to enhance the speed performance of the horses as well as a sprint lane to provide all horses a competitive opportunity.
Alongside the track, public facilities similar to those at Bathurst will be constructed as well as race stalls that can accommodate for 140 horses, including a designated area for mini trot participants.
Harness Racing NSW’s long term vision for the property is to also include a training centre.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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