Return of racing at Avondale in doubt

March 30, 2012

Return of racing at Avondale in doubt

The planned return of racing at Avondale has been put on hold due to concerns identified by New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing about the condition of the track.

Inspections by NZTR officials following yesterday’s jumpouts at Avondale revealed significant problems with the track surface, forcing the cancellation of Tuesday’s trials meeting and a series of midweek meetings scheduled to begin at Avondale from Anzac Day.

In recent months the track had undergone extensive drainage and maintenance work funded by way of a substantial local community grant.

The NZ Racing Board’s immediate priority is to assist, as required, in the reallocation of meetings scheduled at Avondale to other venues, with the primary focus on ensuring an appropriate infrastructure strategy is formulated by NZTR with regard to northern region thoroughbred racing.

Background

• In January 2012 the NZ Racing Board’s Dates Committee received a letter of support from NZ Thoroughbred Racing for the Avondale Jockey Club’s application for four midweek licences in the current 2011/12 season.

• Based on NZTR’s support, licences were approved for four midweek meetings in 2011/12, with an application for a further nine midweek meetings in 2012/13.

• The NZ Racing Board’s approval of licences beyond the current season was subject to agreement from NZTR that unless the AJC made an appropriate amendment to their dissolution clause at its next annual general meeting as proposed by NZTR then it would withdraw its support for the remaining Avondale fixtures.

ENDS

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