Following the decision to upgrade the 13 year old ViscoRide training track at Ascot, an Industry Working Group of RWWA, Perth Racing and Western Australian Racing Trainers’ Association (WARTA) was established to undertake an assessment of a suitable replacement of the existing synthetic Training Track.

In December 2013 RWWA, Perth Racing and WARTA representatives extensively reviewed installations of synthetic training surfaces in the Eastern States and canvassed views from numerous users and industry stakeholders.

After evaluation by the Industry Working Group, nominated evaluation representatives, the tender has been awarded to Pro-Ride Racing Australia, following a thorough and vigorous tender process conducted under the auspices of RWWA’s Procurement team.

The decision on awarding the tender upgrade to Pro-Ride Racing Australia will see Ascot developed to the same specifications as the latest version of the product at Warwick Farm and Newcastle in NSW.

Glowing reports on the Pro-Ride Racing Australia surface were extended to the WA representatives from leading trainers including Peter Snowden, Clarrie Connors, Bjorn Baker and Rick Worthington, President of the NSW Trainers’ Association.

WARTA strongly believes that this new training surface will result in horses having fewer injuries, longer careers and increased field sizes.

RWWA and Perth Racing would sincerely like to thank WARTA members who were involved in the Eastern State inspections including Dan Morton and Trevor Andrews for their valuable personal contributions to this important industry asset.

Additional improvements to track access will be introduced as decided between PR/WARTA to ensure access and egress to and from the training track as a result of this project.

The project duration of the synthetic track replacement works is expected to be 10 weeks subject to prevailing conditions. Civil works for the replacement of the synthetic track will commence on Monday, 12 May. 2014.

The synthetic training track will be closed from AFTER training on Saturday 10 May 2014 to enable preliminary grading to occur. The civil works will take place in parallel with the supply and manufacture of the synthetic surface and attendant works, preparatory to the surface being installed in early July 2014.

Enquiries:

Noel Reilly Cameron Sutherland

Project Manager General Manager-Tracks

RWWA Perth Racing

09 94455 236 08 9277 0777