Eagle Farm track passes first big galloping test as December 22 return firmly on agenda

JOCKEYS who helped christen the new turf have praised the surface of Eagle Farm after the track was given its first test under galloping horses.

JOCKEYS who helped christen the new turf have praised the surface of Eagle Farm, which was given its first test under galloping horses on Tuesday morning.

Eight sets of gallops were held on the course proper featuring 13 horses, who left little to no noticeable markings on the surface, bringing Eagle Farm a step closer to a return to racing this month.

Horses galloped on a section 15m out from the rail, with next week’s trials to be conducted over a different section, closer to the fence.

The jockeys of the first horses on the track were delighted with the surface.

The previous Eagle Farm was synonymous with huge divots flying from the ground, but jockeys in trailing positions yesterday said there was nothing coming back at them.

“I sat in behind the stablemate and there was no kickback at all,” top jockey Brad Stewart said.

“I thought it was very good. Felt nice underneath. When they’re not kicking anything up, that’s as good a guide as anything. They were kicking up dinner plates on the old one.

“The true test is when they have some trials, but from what I’ve seen I’d be surprised if it didn’t go as well.”

Former Victorian jockey Dale Smith did not ride on the old Eagle Farm, so rode yesterday with no preconceived ideas of what to expect.

He too gave the surface a big tick of approval.

“It’s very accommodating on the horses’ joints, there’s no jarring. It wore really well,” he said.

“Matt McGillivray sat behind me in one gallop and said he could have literally counted the blades of grass that came off my front feet.

“We didn’t even scuff the track. It barely even broke.

“My perception is that it’s really good. Full credit to Mick Goodie and the team. I’m really looking forward to seeing the trials and then getting back racing on it.”

Racecaller Allan Thomas was an interested observer at the gallops.

Racing Minister Stirling Hinchcliffe and CEO of Queensland racing Brendan Parnell.

Goodie, who was brought in earlier this year by Racing Queensland to oversee the track remediation process, said there had been 50mm of irrigation applied since Saturday (including 10mm Monday night) but it raced like a Good (4) surface.

The next phase is for a number of trials or jumpouts to be held next Tuesday before Racing Queensland locks in the proposed December 22 return to racing.

“It will be a great Christmas present to have Eagle Farm back,” Racing Queensland chief executive Brendan Parnell said.

“How the track reacts to barrier trials, where there’s bigger fields, a wider expanse of the track being used and then (if that goes well) between Racing Queensland and the BRC we will lock in December 22.

“There is relief. It’s very encouraging and it’s great for participants to feel that spring in their step.”

Jim Byrne was ecstatic with how the track felt.

Racing Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said it was too early to say the mission was completed, but yesterday’s gallops were most encouraging start in the evolution of the Eagle Farm track.

“Let’s be cautious, let’s be careful, but I’m really excited about the prospects of a return to the home of racing,” Hinchliffe said.