Cambridge Polytrack

[Hesi]

The Cambridge Jockey Club’s new synthetic track has received a tick of approval after its first set of trials on Tuesday. Photo: Trish Dunell

Synthetic track gets tick of approval

• 
• 

NZ Racing Desk

24 November 2020

The Cambridge Jockey Club’s new synthetic track has received a tick of approval from leading jockey Samantha Collett after its first set of trials on Tuesday.

It was the second time the ace hoop has ridden on the track after previously riding on the surface at the jumpouts earlier this month.

“I think it is really fantastic,” she said. “The club can be really proud of what they have produced.

“I was fortunate enough to have a few rides around at the jumpouts prior to today’s trial meeting and it really impressed me then.”

The jumpouts were conducted in inclement weather and Collett said the track handled just as well then.

“You could feel a bit of moisture under the horses feet but there were no inconsistencies. It seemed to ride just as well as it did today,” she said.

Collett said the track is a godsend for trainers in the region and horses will benefit a lot from trialling and racing on the surface all year-round.

“I feel like the track is really nice and forgiving,” she said. “It is going to produce a really nice, even surface that we can look forward to using all year round, especially in the winter months when our turf tracks are deteriorating. It’s going to be a great tool to have.”

Collett also noted that there wasn’t a noticeable difference in the amount of kick-back from the synthetic surface in comparison to New Zealand’s regular turf tracks.

“I haven’t been too far back today, but looking at some of the guys and girls that have come back in, there has been a little bit of kick-back, but not anymore or any less than what you would on a turf track,” she said.

Collett couldn’t have been more pleased with the way the track handled on Tuesday and she said the universal consensus in the jockeys room was positive.

“I think everybody is pretty happy,” she said. “From a rider’s perspective you just want to give your horse every opportunity to educate it and give it a good day out.”

[Hesi]

A note for the trainspotters

There are 5 more trial meetings planned this season in Jan, Feb, March(2), April

6 race meetings  19/5, 2, 16, 30/6, 14, 28/7, so that's a meeting every 2 weeks, midweek(Wed)

Going to be interesting to see how those 6 meetings are supported, because at that time, trainers would of normally had in work their horses that handle wet tracks

[mardigras]

19 minutes ago, Hesi said:

Going to be interesting to see how those 6 meetings are supported, because at that time, trainers would of normally had in work their horses that handle wet tracks

But maybe allowing the extension of some to continue a prep.  (Even though in NZ right now, I think it is a poor decision).

[curious]

44 minutes ago, mardigras said:

But maybe allowing the extension of some to continue a prep.  (Even though in NZ right now, I think it is a poor decision).

Poor decision to extend the prep of horses needing better footing?

[mardigras]

8 hours ago, curious said:

Poor decision to extend the prep of horses needing better footing?

No, poor decision to invest in an AWT given the state of the turf tracks and the current sustainability of the NZ industry. I don't see AWTs changing the overall revenue generation relating to NZ racing, or the overall attraction of NZ racing to additional participants. I would have preferred to see investment in a complete overhaul on a cyclic basis of the current tracks, to get the current infrastructure up to an accepted standard long term, rather than introducing a new piece. It's trying to plug an issue by not addressing the issue imo.

[Hesi]

It's built now, and no one can take it away, but who knows how things might evolve.

With those 6 race meetings the club has, there will only be revenue from betting, as the track has no facilities for having public oncourse.  So like other clubs, no creaming it from food/drinks/packages

Let's face it, and call it what it is, a personal training track for the Cambridge glitterati.  Maybe more will move into the area, like Andrew Campbell did, maybe that will lead to other unforeseen benefits to racing in this country....but hard to see what

[ngakonui grass]

9 minutes ago, Hesi said:

It's built now, and no one can take it away, but who knows how things might evolve.

With those 6 race meetings the club has, there will only be revenue from betting, as the track has no facilities for having public oncourse.  So like other clubs, no creaming it from food/drinks/packages

Let's face it, and call it what it is, a personal training track for the Cambridge glitterati.  Maybe more will move into the area, like Andrew Campbell did, maybe that will lead to other unforeseen benefits to racing in this country....but hard to see what

Time to buy me a coffee truck,a candy floss truck,hot dog truck,fish & chip truck and a pop up bar.

I am finally going to hit the big time.

[Hesi]

You must be kidding, you need to go upmarket......how about gourmet burgers, lattes and seasoned beer batter wedges

[ngakonui grass]

46 minutes ago, Hesi said:

You must be kidding, you need to go upmarket......how about gourmet burgers, lattes and seasoned beer batter wedges

Only catering for the stablehands and  a few groupies.Somebody else can cater for the nose in the air type.

[Hesi]

Poor business model NG, the money is always in high cost value added.  Personally I prefer hot dog and chips, but that's just me

[ngakonui grass]

I may not be the best caterer,but i will be the most expensive.

[Hesi]

You must work at the TAB hahaha, that is their business model