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Australian Turf Club has completed an extensive series of track surface renovations and programs across its racecourses throughout 2020/21 in time for the start of this week’s Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival.

Following the ATC’s 2020 Spring Racing Carnival all four metropolitan tracks underwent major renovations to help improve surfaces into Autumn and longer-term. This significant investment by the Club has resulted in consistent improvement in each of the metropolitan course-proper surfaces through summer and into autumn.

More than 3000 tonnes of sand was applied across the five surfaces along with dethatching and aeration of the turf to improve the overall health of the grass.

“The positive results of this continuous improvement program are becoming more evident as we head into The Championships,” Australian Turf Club Executive General Manager Racing and Wagering, James Ross said.

“This scope of works has become standard practice now to ensure surfaces are presented in best possible condition and perform to the required standard.”

ATC General Manager of Tracks, Nevesh Ramdhani has overseen some of the most significant renovations in recent years and is pleased with the result.

“Rosehill Gardens has performed very well since returning from a major renovation in January,” Mr Ramdhani said. “The renovation consisted of scarifying, coring, solid tine aerating and a heavy top-dress with sand, all designed to improve drainage and plant health.

“The Rosehill Gardens track comes into the Longines Golden Slipper Carnival in great shape and ready for three weeks of premium racing. The Royal Randwick course proper is in superb shape with the continuation of the ATC’s turf improvement practices which has seen the track perform very well across the summer period”

“We are also pleased with the ongoing progress the Kensington Track which produced competitive racing and overall fair results on Wednesday. Over the last six months, Warwick Farm has been racing above expectations with excellent feedback from stakeholders. The surface has been producing fair racing and consistent race times, including a number of class records.

“The most significant renovation to Canterbury Park in recent years has paid dividends and it has coped extremely well over the busy annual night racing season which concluded in February.

“We have conducted further work and are looking forward to making the track available a little earlier this year for our trainers to use.”