The Tamworth Jockey Club has announced a much-needed $1.5 million reconstruction of its sand training track.
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The project - slated to commence on May 25 and be ready for use in early September - follows the problematic $450,000 drainage upgrade of the course late last year.
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The TJC's new general manager, Michael Buckley, who started in the job on Wednesday, said improved safety was the main reason for the "fantastic" reconstruction.
He said: "The reconstruction of the sand track is something that the Tamworth trainers have been after for a few years, given the ongoing problems the club has experienced maintaining the track due to the issues with its base."
Buckley said "our objective going forward is to really put Tamworth Jockey Club back on the map".
The project is being funded by Racing NSW, the Country Racing NSW Development Fund and the TJC.
The works will involve the removal of all existing material on the sand track and then the addition of a new stabilised pavement base, as well as new drainage, storm water and irrigation systems.
It's a major piece of training infrastructure.
- Michael Buckley
New safety rails will also be installed, as will more than 3000 metres of wooden plinths.
"It's a major piece of training infrastructure," Buckley said.
"And the Tamworth trainers do a fantastic job already, given the facilities they've got, but it [the new track] will only further improve their race-day performances - whether it be country, provincial or metropolitan level."
Buckley said more than 140 horses used Tamworth Racecourse daily, with more than 20 meetings a year.
"So, it is a major country training facility," he added.
Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson - the minister responsible for racing - said the reconstruction was "a really good investment for racing in the Hunter and North West".
He said that "owners, trainers and connections are very keen to see this progress".
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