Globe Derby Park track to be upgraded

The premier South Australian racetrack Globe Derby Park is set to undergo a track renovation, further highlighting the continued rejuvenation of harness racing in the State.

Primarily, the track upgrade will see cambers reshaped by the Club and a new racing surface added. With an unchanged track circumference of 845 metres, this historic venue will continue to cater for the exciting and dynamic racing it is known for around this circuit.

In a bold move set to reward industry and provide further stability, the South Australian Harness Racing Club (SAHRC) as landowners at Globe Derby Park will be financing this project via its soon to be commenced property development (with pre conditions that need to be satisfied by HRSA).

The Seymour Group, headed by well-known Brisbane entrepreneur and harness breeder-owner Kevin Seymour, is taking the lead role in funding, and acting as development manager on behalf of the Club.

Additionally, a training track will be added inside the racetrack to cater for on-course trainers for future use. The existing training track is set to be removed once the renovation is complete and the property development commences.

These upgrades are planned to be completed during July and August 2024 when racing during this time will be relocated to other provincial tracks. SAHRC along with the Seymour Group and the state’s controlling body Harness Racing South Australia have been working closely and collaboratively as three of the key stakeholders in this project to ensure all needs are met on behalf of the industry.

The benefits to SAHRC and the industry are multifaceted. Globe Derby’s improved surface and reshaped cambers are done with the intention of: a) improving overall horse welfare, b) assist to produce competitive racing and c) provide a more maintainable surface.

The cost is expected to come in just shy of $1million for this upgrade, with tenders about to be called in the marketplace with work on the project expected to be started in July 2024. This is a significant cost to the SAHRC which could not take place without the club’s property development and the guidance of Seymour Group consultants. Given the significant disadvantages in the SA funding model and framework compared to other states, HRSA is not in a financial position currently to fund the renovation.

There is further good news expected to be released from the Club over the next four to six weeks.

by Peter Wharton, for Harnesslink