HAWKESBURY Race Club has submitted plans for an on-course stabling facility with Hawkesbury City Council, as it moves forward with its plans to change the training options available to local and metropolitan trainers.
The initial phase of the development proposal will involve the construction of 50 on-course stables, and follows the completion of the new synthetic Polytrack training surface, which recently opened, and which has seen the club draw new trainers to Clarendon.
Hawkesbury Race Club chief executive Greg Rudolph said there will be potential for that number to increase, with the DA submission for a second stage of development, for another 25 stables.
“We have received a number of inquiries regarding the initial 50 boxes and if the demand is there, we have the plans in place to expand capacity down the track,” Rudolph said.
“By gradually improving our training facilities, we will have the ability to draw on an overflow of metropolitan stables and allow trainers to have an excellent alternative option, in the vicinity of so many racecourses within a two hour travelling radius.
“We are currently working with Racing NSW to progress our training facilities, so that we can complement the ATC tracks, yet attract more horses into the Sydney basin, for example, by providing an opportunity for country trainers who may want to closer to the metropolitan.”
The latest Hawkesbury project comes after the upgrade to a new synthetic training track, refurbishment of existing sand tracks and includes plans for horse walkers and an equine pool at a later stage.
