Plans have been put in place for Sandown Park to resume racing activities following an inspection by GRV officials this morning.
The View Road circuit has been out of action since 16 August due to an inconsistency with a section of the track surface. Following consultation with a range of external experts and in conjunction with track maintenance specialists, extensive remediation works have since taken place to restore the racing surface.
“There’s been significant work over the past month and we’re very comfortable with its current state,” said Adrian Scott, Sandown Park CEO.
In addition to track works, an upgrade to the club’s drainage system was also installed and water management systems reviewed to assist in the ongoing maintenance of the surface.
“The place hasn’t been the same without racing. We’re very much looking forward to resuming and building towards the most important part of the year.”
The first official trial sessions are set for Wednesday 30 September and Friday 2 October. Bookings for the Wednesday session will open on Fasttrack at 9am on Tuesday, with 9am Thursday the open time for Friday’s session. There will be no trials on Saturday October 3.
Racing is set to resume on Sunday 4 October featuring heats of the Great Chase, with the regular weekly race and trial schedule resume following that meeting.
The first metro meeting is set for Thursday October 8 which marks 50 days until the TAB Melbourne Cup. Special events over 515m and 715m will highlight the card with the winner of the 515m edition to be exempt into Cup heats on Friday November 20.
