14-Nov-2009

Coffs Harbour: Pro Ride Track Proves Its Worth

What a fantastic investment the new Pro-ride training track has been for the Coffs Harbour Racing Club.

CHRC CEO Russ Atkinson said the new training track had proved its worth after a recent huge deluge.

"Over 90% of the track was under water following the massive rainfall we received with more than 500mm falling in 48 hours," Atkinson said.

"But the track remained intact and three days later trainers were doing fast work on the surface.

"It passed the ultimate test with flying colours.

"Recent drainage works and a pump mitigation system has also seen the course proper quickly dry out and course manager Wade Hickey advised that racing could have gone ahead only five days later.

"All will be fine for the Club Managers Raceday on November 19."

Atkinson added that the Coffs Harbour equine pool and jog canter track had allowed trainers the option of working their horses right through the rains until the Pro-ride was available.

"I don't know of many other venues that have that capability," he said.

"The new Pro-ride track has only been down two weeks and has received extremely positive feedback from trainers and riders.

"The one positive from the heavy rains was that the surface could perform well under such extreme conditions."