WA harness racing industry calls for urgent upgrades to ‘outdated’ and ‘unfair’ Gloucester Park track

WA harness racing’s leading industry body claims an “outdated” and “unfair” Gloucester Park track is in urgent need of an upgrade as part of major redevelopment plans for the racecourse. In a letter sent to Minister for Racing and Gaming Tony Buti, WA’s Breeders, Owners, Trainers and Reinsperson’s Association expressed concerns about the fairness and safety of the Gloucester Park track. The 804m surface won’t be altered in Gloucester Park’s redevelopment proposal, which includes the sale of a portion of land to help fund a new grandstand adjacent to the Swan River. Racing and Wagering WA has committed $24.7 million in infrastructure funding to the project. BOTRA president Donald Harper claimed Gloucester Park’s smaller circumference has led to pacers drawn in barrier one dominating racing at WA’s premier harness track. “BOTRA believes the Gloucester Park harness track is undisputedly the most outdated, unfair racing surface of all major harness racing venues in Australasia and any major revenue associated with the sale of harness racing’s most valuable asset should involve an upgrade to racing for the future sustainability of the industry,” Harper wrote in the letter. “The two major harness racing jurisdictions in Australia (NSW and Victoria), determined by horse and participant numbers, acknowledged more than a decade ago on the basis of best animal welfare practices and to maintain as fair a racing surface as possible, increased track circumferences along with a mathematically calculated camber, was an imperative investment. “Currently the camber at Gloucester Park on the turn is so inadequate most horses, making a run from back in the field and wide, lose considerable ground on the turns. “The proposed plans to eliminate a 15,000 capacity venue in favour of a 4000 capacity venue with no intention to bring the track up to modern day expected standards, we feel, warrants an investigative review.” Meanwhile, Brad Rawiller has been booked to ride Bolton Sprint (1200m) winner Resortman in Saturday’s Idyllic Prince Stakes (1300m) at Belmont Park. Shaun McGruddy and Chris Parnham, who rode Resortman in his past two starts, are riding at Caulfield on Saturday. “Brad’s probably the next best jockey available so we’re very happy with him,” trainer Michael Lane said. “Shaun thought the horse was just in the wrong part of the track last start. He pulled up good and trained on well.” Stewards will hear further submissions from trainer Brock Lewthwaite on his plea to a presentation charge on September 5. Lewthwaite has been charged with presenting Star Present to race at Ascot on April 9 with prohibited substances testosterone and boldenone detected in a sample after she won that day. ROONEY’S RACEBOOK BEST OF THE BEST BELMONT: She’s A Sweet Deel (R7, No.6) SANDOWN: Mahrez (R2, No.6) RANDWICK: Zou Tiger (R2, No.2) IPSWICH: Husson’s Revenge (R4, No.2) GAWLER: Pretentious Lass (R3, No.8) BELMONT SPECIALS Positive Impact (R1, No.1) has shown promise with two wins from three starts and strikes a very winnable race. Fiorucci Mama (R5, No.7) returns from a strong two-year-old campaign. Gets in well with 55.5kg after Taj Dyson’s claim. She’s A Sweet Deel (R7, No.6) has produced two eye-catching runs this campaign and is unbeaten at the track and distance.