Racing: Pukekohe training track ready

After two years in the planning and nine months of construction the spectacular new Pukekohe Park training track will be officially opened on Thursday, July 21.

The new centre has been developed by an independent board comprising representatives of the Auckland and Counties Racing Clubs, with funding provided by the Auckland Racing Club and land provided by the Counties Racing Club.

The new training centre is a $2 million project, funded by a grant from the ARC. It features a 15-metre wide all-weather track, two grass surfaces and a plough track along with a dual lamp lighting system that provides trainers with the ability to consistently work their horses at a designated time.

Leading Pukekohe based trainer, Richard Collett said: "I believe the new all-weather track will put trainers in a situation where horses will be able to be trained all year round on a consistent surface."

Fellow trainer Russell Cameron, who recently settled at Pukekohe following training stints in Australia and Macau, is also supportive.

"I have worked horses on all-weather surfaces in Asia and Australia and this is the most consistent surface I have struck.

"When other owners and trainers see the results from Pukekohe they will want to have their horses trained here as well," said Cameron.