Echuca Racing Club will alter its turf after its Melbourne Cup day meet. Photos: Jordan Townrow.
If you’re driving past the Echuca Racing Club after November 3, you might notice a change.
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After its Melbourne Cup meet, the club’s going to make some track alterations, with the turf set to be relayed.
“Over winter we started to notice the track wasn't quite as reliable and holding together as well as it has in the past,” racing club manager Jarratt Farley said.
“This full renovation hasn't been completed for 25 plus years.
“The track manager and I had a discussion, along with the industry, deciding now would be the perfect time to get it done.
“We're relied on quite heavily in this region to race over winter; trainers and horses want safe tracks, even during the wet months.”
A new surface will be put down on all 1800m of the track proper - plus starting chutes.
Farley described the process as “top making the track” — its industry term — whereby 30mm to 40mm is first shaved off the grass and topsoil.
Then the surface is top dressed, with low spots filled in and work done to ensure the soil profile is “spot on”.
The key part is the ryegrass being replaced by a new kikuyu turf — chosen because of its stronger root system and ability to hold soil better.
The process will take some time, meaning the club will skip its annual New Year’s meet, which Farley admitted is “sad” given its huge success every year.
But the idea is short-term pain for long-term gain, ensuring the turf is in pristine condition for more regular use next winter.
The next meet after the Melbourne Cup will be the 2027 Echuca Cup in March — the track staff providing general maintenance and hoping for sunny weather once the kikuyu is laid.
Right now, it’s all about ensuring the current one is ready to go in two weeks.
It was just used on Monday afternoon for eight races.
Now there’s a quick turnaround for Echuca’s track staff to get everything right for Melbourne Cup day.
“First there’s a couple days of raking the grass back into the holes, filling them in and then they'll start working towards making it look spot on,” Farley said.
“That could be fertilising, mowing, whipper-snipping; all the stuff needs to be done.
“So two days getting the surface back to where it should be, then two weeks of tender loving care to get it ready.”
The racing club is the place to be for those watching the Melbourne Cup this year.
Gates will open at 10.30am on November 3 — a slate of races taking place before everyone tunes into the race which stops the nation on the big screens.
The local meeting offers free activities for kids and live music throughout, while shuttle buses to and from the club are also free.
Pick ups and drop offs will be at the Star, Caledonian and Border Inn Hotels, and the Moama Bowling Club.
General admission tickets are from $25 per person, and if you’re feeling like a more elevated experience, other packages start from $70.
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