Magazine: Randwick's Turf Survives WYD
By Editor in Racing on 26th Jul 2008 6:00
Special turf grown in case Randwick Racecourse didn't survive World Youth Day (WYD) may not be needed, festival officials say.
A huge cleanup is underway at Randwick, with organisers removing rubbish and facilities such as toilets and tents installed for Sunday's papal mass. More than 300,000 Catholic pilgrims camped out at the racecourse on Saturday night in preparation for the mass with Pope Benedict XVI.
About 200,000 metres of rubber turf protection is being pulled up, with the track beneath in such good condition the government is confident nothing will delay race meetings scheduled for September 6 in time for the Spring Carnival.
Racing officials are also cautiously optimistic trainers will be able to return to their racecourse stables at Randwick on August 24 as scheduled. Prior to WYD, organisers had 10,000 square metres of grass grown in the Hawkesbury region in case the Randwick turf didn't survive the religious trampling. Randwick Project Steering Committee chief Hugh Martin believes it won't be needed.
"We're very pleased with the state of the turf," he told reporters at the track. "At this stage (we won't have to replace the turf). Physically, at the moment, it looks in pretty good shape."
The Australian Jockey Club (AJC) and the racing industry received $42 million compensation from the NSW and federal governments to secure the complex for the weekend's events. AJC personnel who visited the track on Monday were cautious with their assessments, but have yet to find major problems. "The turf track seems to be have held up well," an AJC spokesman said."There are some concerns with the dirt track, but hopefully they can be addressed."
Racing NSW chief executive Peter V'landys said his organisation would be paying attention to crossings, used by heavy vehicles, and the dirt track which will require some rectification work.
Most of the displaced Randwick trainers relocated to Warwick Farm which underwent extensive renovations funded by the money received from the government.
Source: news.smh.com.au
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