If there is one certainly in Aussie horse racing that we know of, it is this – Racing NSW boss Peter V’landys delivers on his word.
And when he goes public and says that Racing NSW has both the money and a great desire to build an all purpose training centre, big enough to accommodate trainers, their staff, vets and straighter stretches, along the lines of the Newmarket long straight course heaths in England, then take it as gospel, he will get the job done.
That pleases champion trainer Chris Waller who loves the Newmarket set up.
Waller said on the weekend that he would move to an establishment like that if it ever became available because straight running up slight inclines does two wondrous things: it gets horses fitter and it prolongs their legs and welfare.
Since he made those statements, Waller has been joined by others.
The Freedmans know a thing or two about training away from city tracks. Their very best years of success was when they trained on their property in Victoria.
Richard Freedman said on twitter today that he would follow Chris Waller to an all-purpose site if or when it was completed.
“Chris thinks carefully about these things. He is 100% right.
“Freedmans will move too. Anyone who has trained off-course on good facilities would only go back to training on a racetrack by necessity, not by choice.”
And emerging star Wyong trainer Kristen Buchanan was quick out of the gates to air her thoughts too.
“I would LOVE to train at an off course facility that could provide variety for the horses and staff housing as described – it would be heaven. I’d also love to be surrounded by top notch trainers, but prefer not in a traditional metropolitan environment – where do we sign up?!”
No doubt, with over 2500 horses at the moment crammed into suburban stalls at city racetracks in NSW, this would be seen as a Godsend to both horse and mankind involved in the sport.
Horses need to be able to move around and have quieter, scenic, tranquil and easy on their legs courses to train upon.