New track surface for Rangiora

The all-weather harness racing track at Rangiora has had a refresh.

This week the old surface was removed and replaced with 430 tons (390 kgs) of new sand and chip.

“It’s like painting a house,” says the chairman of the grounds committee at Rangiora Racecourse Erin Crawford, “it’s all in the preparation.”

“It was a big effort”

Racetracks generally are re-surfaced around every three years.

“The track was beginning to look a bit tired and the work was definitely needed,” says Harness Racing New Zealand’s Venue Inspector John Denton, who oversaw the job.

“We know trainers and drivers will be happy with what they have got. It looks great.”

The next meeting at the racetrack is on Saturday August 28 but there will be host of trials between now and then, starting next Wednesday (June 8).

“We are on it every day,” says Crawford, “it gets a fair bit of wear and tear.”

From Harness Racing New Zealand