Newcastle is on target to reopen for racing on Boxing Day after the renovated track passed its first serious test on Thursday.
Six horses galloped on the course proper to enable officials to gauge its readiness for a set of barrier trials on Monday.
They were given the green light to go ahead by chief steward Ray Murrihy who was satisfied with the track’s overall performance.
However, he has recommended a small section of turf near the 600m be replaced and the rail be moved from two metres out into the true position.
Provided the track stands up to the trials, the popular Boxing Day meeting – traditionally the busiest on the Newcastle Jockey Club calendar – will go ahead as planned.
Newcastle was shut down on October 20 due to safety concerns over undulations in certain sections of the track.
Remedial work was undertaken, including the laying of 20,000 square metres of new grass.
Experienced jockey Robert Thompson, who rode in the Thursday morning gallops, said the changes had been effective.
“A big improvement. The undulations are gone and the track will only get better as it consolidates,” he said.
