February 19, 2020

The Australian Turf Club and Racing NSW will jointly fund the installation of a new Polytrack surface at Rosehill Gardens to continue Sydney racing’s upgrade of training facilities at all of its racecourses.

The new Polytrack surface will replace the Pro-Ride surface following a lengthy consultation period with trainers at Rosehill Gardens.

Installation of the new surface is due to commence in late April and be completed by late May.

The latest project will mean each of Sydney’s four Australian Turf Club racecourses – Royal Randwick, Rosehill Gardens, Warwick Farm and Canterbury Park – will each have a Polytrack circuit.

During wet weather, the Polytrack surface can also be used to conduct barrier trials if grass training and trial surfaces at each of the racecourses are affected.

Australian Turf Club Chairman Matthew McGrath said Rosehill Gardens trainers had seen the success of Polytrack surfaces at Royal Randwick and Warwick Farm.

“This project continues the strategic work in partnership with Racing NSW to continually enhance our training tracks,” Mr McGrath said.

“Most pleasingly, the Polytrack surfaces are another improvement in horse welfare and are being recognised as being a major factor in the reduction of horse injuries during training.”

Racing NSW Chairman Russell Balding AO said: “It is important that we continue to invest in our racing infrastructure assets and seek to have the best training facilities available. This initiative also demonstrates what can be achieved through a close collaborative relation between Racing NSW and the Australian Turf Club.”