EQUINE WELFARE
so it’s got better resistance to and is more stable under heat, but is also more flexible when it’s cold.” “We’re a little bit more stable than other surfaces. We make them a little bit firmer which leads to more sure footing and a more stable surface.” Installing the new track, which is 2100 metres by 7.5 metres in circumference, and replacing the old track was a $1.6 million project funded by Racing Victoria and the VRC. The VRC has donated the old Pro-Ride track to other horse-sport establishments, which O’Keeffe had been an enjoyable and satisfying project to work on. “Firstly, we gave the local trainers the chance to use it for their properties and some have used it on their training farms,” O’Keeffe said. “After that, it’s been split. A portion has gone to Godolphin to use at its stud farm for mating barns, stallions and mares. We are also donating some to the Riding For The Disabled at Pakenhamwhich will help them build a new arena for the students to be able to ride on.” O’Keeffe said Lauriston Park pre-training centre at Corinella had also taken a portion of the Pro-Ride track. Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Mike Moroney said he viewed the installation of the Gallop Track as a continuation of the VRC’s commitment to Flemington as a training centre. “There are so many options for a trainer to use. There are so many tracks to use and the best thing about it is they are big spacious tracks. “They are also well marshalled. Everything is railed and there’s the tunnel for the horses to use to get to and from the track. It ticks all the boxes.” Fellow Melbourne Cup-winning local trainer Danny O’Brien said the VRC made training a priority, especially since Neil Wilson became chief executive and Steve Rosich was continuing that legacy. “Training’s a priority for the VRC. We’re lucky to be using a world-class facility,” he said. O’Brien said the installation of the Gallop Track only enhanced Flemington as a training base. He said the other key aspect of training at Flemington was the excellent track supervision and management of it by Liam O’Keeffe and his team. In fact, he is confident that Flemington trainers enjoy such great success because of this excellent training facility.
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