The brand new inner track at Scottsville Racecourse adds a new dimension to racing at the venue and is going to provide plenty of excitement in the future. That is the general consensus of opinion from Jockeys participating in yesterday's weather interrupted meeting - an historic occasion in that it marked the very first event to be run on the new track.
The lightning storm that eventually reduced the meeting to only 6 races failed to dampen the spirits of Jockeys and Trainers who were unanimous in their praise for the track and the ground staff .
Jockey Robbie Hill , a veteran campaigner, declared after the very first race, run over 1200 m, that he felt that the track was going to provide " plenty of fun" and thought that it augured well for exciting and very good racing.
Jockey Peter Dillon said that even though the penetrometer reading was 27, the track felt great and summed it up in one word "beautiful!".
Nicholas Shearer, another rider who knows Scottsville like the back of his hand, said it was very impressive and a credit to horseracing.
Newly qualified Jockey, Sihle Cele, said the turn was "fairly tight" and would take some getting used to. He added however that the surface was "fantastic" – true to his word, he went on to win the second race run around the turn by stealing a march on the Pappas trained King Crimson at 20-1!
The draw, expected to play a vital role in the two 1200 m events, proved to be of only minor consequence as the winners and placed horses were drawn from the inside right up to the outside. The camber of the track on the turn provides plenty opportunity for creative thinking by Jockeys and Trainers.
As from 2 April 2006, races over a distance of 1200 m and less will be run down the straight on the standside, whilst races of 1300 m and further will be run on the new inside track, unless otherwise indicated.
The following are deviations from the above arrangement:-
1. Monday, 1 May 2006
The Sledgehammer (1800 m) and The Scarlet Lady (1800 m) will be run on the standside track.
2. Sunday, 28 May 2006
All races will be run on the standside track.
Important Note: Races on the new inside track will be restricted to a maximum of 13 runners, except in the case of feature races and other races otherwise indicated.