Positive reports after track test for Hastings

Club officials, the Racing Integrity Board and New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing joined senior riders to assess the Hastings track following its turf renovation in May.

Senior jockeys Jonathon Riddell, Kelly Myers, Leah Hemi and Lily Sutherland attended the assessment, with Riddell saying the track felt even and horses bounced off the surface.

Victoria Racing Club consultant Liam O’Keeffe said the track presented well for Monday’s jumpouts and rider feedback was positive.

“The track at Hastings on Monday presented well and the feedback from riders was positive. It is pleasing to see the improvement in the surface since the May track renovation. We expect to see further improvement to the surface as the weather warms up into spring,” O’Keeffe said.

The turf has been maintained at a low height to encourage thickening, while recent severe frosts have slowed its recovery to racing height.

With conditions improving and warmer weather forecast, the turf is responding and is expected to make further progress towards spring racing.

The reconstructed bottom bend will continue to be carefully managed, with targeted verti-draining planned on the tighter section.

Current moisture readings are 40 per cent, while Going Stick readings indicate good grass strength, with forecast rain and verti-draining expected to soften the surface.

The jumpouts were conducted with the rail out 5m, with the rail scheduled to return to the true position for the August 22 meeting.