The major redevelopments at Caulfield Racecourse, including a new inner track named the Heath, are on schedule, with senior racing figures recently inspecting the upgraded facility. The Melbourne Racing Club (MRC) has replaced all turf on the main course and is set to lay down an impressive 120,000 rolls of turf on the inner track. The new 1200-metre chute has already been grassed.
MRC CEO Josh Blanksby expressed excitement over the milestones achieved so far, stating, “It’s pretty exciting, with a bit of a milestone this week with all the course proper turf relayed where the crossings all come together.” He is optimistic about the main course reopening in July, although the Heath won’t be operational until early 2024.
Blanksby assured that the club would not rush to use the new facility, having learned from other track constructions. He remarked, “We were always very, very comfortable with the design and had really engaged widely on best practice.”
Australian Trainers’ Association (ATA) representatives were recently invited to view the new facilities. Although initially critical of the concept, they were reportedly impressed with the results. Blanksby said, “I think they were pleasantly surprised with the width of it. They can see what we were trying to achieve.”
Renowned trainer Mick Price also commended the development, stating, “I had a quick tour of the inside track developments at Caulfield and a lot of time and effort has gone into getting everything right, and it looks like they are on the right track.”
The inner track is expected to host twilight meetings on Wednesdays in February/March 2024, with the installation of lights aimed for completion by the end of the Cox Plate 2025. Blanksby confirmed that the MRC is eager to bring night racing to Caulfield, saying, “We are unashamedly wanting some night racing here at Caulfield.”
