Eagle Farm’s new surface passes first real test as rain hits Brisbane

Finally a there could be a solid foundation to build on after several years of dealing with an inferior racing surface at Queensland’s home of racing, Eagle Farm racetrack.

Satisfied with Eagle Farm’s first test under wet conditions on Wednesday, Mick Goodie says the track will be oversown with rye-grass next year in a bid to improve its performance.

With 20mm falling at Eagle Farm leading into the meeting, jockeys were happy with what they saw on Wednesday, with the much vaunted drainage system at last showing its capabilities.

The track was rated a Soft (6) throughout the meeting.

“We are more than happy with how it’s got through the first time on a wet track and it gives us a good guide as to next winter,” Goodie said.

“We will look at some options next March to help us through a schedule of winter racing.”

These option include oversowing with rye-grass.

The Eagle Farm surface has been given the seal of approval from trackwork riders.

Asked why that wasn’t done this year, Goodie said he wanted the newly laid turf to “be on its own and toughen up”.

Multiple premiership-winning jockey Larry Cassidy said the performance was what riders had been hoping would happen for the past four years.

“I was feeling nervous before race one because if there was clods coming up, we’re back to square one,” Cassidy said.

“I got back on the fence (in race eight). Normally I would need two sets of goggles. I only had one and didn’t have to pull them down. It’s fantastic.”

Robbie Fradd said he was impressed with the track.

“It’s copped a lot of rain, but has held up well. There’s not much kickback,” he said.

No clods to be seen as the Eagle Farm surface is tested under wet conditions.