Phumelela have plans for alterations to two of the tightest racing surfaces on the Highveld.
This was the word from PGL Racing Executive Patrick Davis in response to a Sporting Post report of unhappiness from trainers and jockeys after Tuesday’s Vaal meeting went off without a false rail.
Phumelela Racing Exec Patrick Davis (pic: hamishNIVENPhotography)
There were numerous incidents of traffic issues recorded in the official stipes report.
In response, Davis pointed out that false rails are used for two main purposes.
“To help fan the field out for fairer racing, and, more importantly, to spread the wear on the turf surface – so we have always from time to time raced at zero – which means no false rail. This however only happens once every 5 or 6 weeks. Why would we not utilize this fresh ground to ensure the best possible surface for the horses?”
He went on to confirm that Phumelela were looking at installing a permanent 2m spur on the TRC inside track during its next spring treatment at the end of the year – as part of a bigger project to widen the bend to the inside.
“Similarly we are looking at this for the Vaal classic track – widening the bend to the inside too. This should significantly help the situation at the two ‘tightest’ racing surfaces on the Highveld,” he said.
He added that it is probably worth pointing out that many major racing jurisdictions – Australia springs most readily to mind – have even shorter run ins at some of their tracks – and this without the use of false rails at all.
