Straight Up – Surface Tension

Few things cause as much consternation in the racing game as the surface of racetracks.

In an outdoor sport subject to the vagaries of the climate, the ability to present a fair and safe surface is crucial to the confidence of punters and trainers alike.

So when the Gold Coast Turf Club put its newly re-laid turf surface to the test under raceday conditions last Saturday, the Queensland racing industry held its breath. The memories of the debacle of the Eagle Farm refurbishment were understandably front of mind.

It has been less than a year since the previous Gold Coast turf track was dug up but under the guidance of Nevesh Ramdhani, formerly of the Australian Turf Club, the new track passed its first major test.

How confident is Gold Coast Turf Club CEO Steve Lines that all is in readiness for the Magic Millions carnival? He spoke to The Straight’s Jessica Owers.

Widespread praise as refurbished Gold Coast racetrack passes first test

A new era has dawned in Queensland racing with a refurbished Gold Coast racetrack up and running in time for the Magic Millions carnival.

The StraightJessica Owers

Ballarat Turf Club earned considerable kudos for its plans to build an uphill wood chip training track in the mould of Japan and Europe, but five years after it was announced, only 1000 metres of the 1400-metre track have been completed.

The issue is a complex one and involves protracted consultation with a local First Nations group, but the Ballarat trainers are still waiting for progress on the $4.1 million project.

An uphill battle: Ballarat woodchip training track remains incomplete

Ballarat-based trainers are still awaiting the completion of a new undercover woodchip training track nearly five years after it was announced.

The StraightBren O’Brien

The start of the 2024 Australian yearling sales season is only three weeks away and we spoke to Element Hill about one of the most anticipated fillies to be offered next year, the half-sister to Hong Kong hero Golden Sixty. Exactly where she will go through the ring is still being decided,

HK hero Golden Sixty’s half-sister coming to a yearling sale near you

A half-sister to Hong Kong champion Golden Sixty will be among the most prized lots sold at an Australian yearling sale in 2024.

The StraightJessica Owers

Finally, this weekend, we farewell Australia’s greatest Group 1 jockey Damien Oliver. He has made a huge imprint on the thoroughbred industry and by extension the breeding industry, guiding more than 20 future stallions to Group 1 victories. I’ve taken a look at the stallions minted by Ollie.

Made by Ollie: The future stallion stars minted by Damien Oliver

Damien Oliver, one of Australia’s greatest jockeys, will leave many legacies when he retires. Riding some of our best stallions during their racing days is one of them.

The StraightBren O’Brien

Thanks for your ongoing support of The Straight since our launch just over two weeks ago. We continue to build our offering and are keen to hear from you on what we can do better on at (info@thestraight.com.au), including any story ideas or suggestions.

Regards

Bren O’Brien, Founder and Managing Editor

The Straight