Tabcorp Park Menangle Facilities

THE TRACK

The world class 1400 metre track has been designed by renowned American company Charles Coon & Sons and constructed under the supervision of Mr Dan Coon.

Construction by Neale Parnaby’s Rock & Earth Exchange commenced in August 2006 and during that time almost 1million tonnes of natural soil primarily sandstone, shale and clay has been delivered to Tabcorp Park Menangle. These materials were sourced from 183 individual sites in and around the greater Sydney area.

The track features 20 metre wide straights to accommodate 10 horses starting from the front row. The straights are 400 metres in length. The sweeping turns measure 300 metres with a 10 degree camber to nine metres from the racing line.

The remainder of the turn width (outside of the track) where horses jog and canter in training work is reduced to 6 degrees camber. This design will significantly improve the track maintenance issues.

There is an underpass which was specifically included in the construction for access to the centre for the Campbelltown City Show activities. In future years, when permanent stables are erected on the site of the current sand track, the underpass will be utilised to access a new all weather training track.

The Club has purchased a 20,000 litre capacity water tanker, two tractors and a new track conditioner to accompany the existing conditioner. Mowing equipment has also been purchased for maintenance of the vast grassed and lawn areas on the site.

PARADE RING

The parade ring has been established adjacent to the race stalls so that all patrons can closely view and inspect the horses in formation before each race.

STABLES

The stables have a race day capacity of 100 stalls. Built in 1990 the stalls have been improved with a pop-top cover over the middle stalls.

Eventually a full cover will be constructed to cover the outside rows. A concrete 4 metre wide apron and concrete centre assists with the all weather aspect of the stalls.

The wash-bays have been increased from 3 to 6, essentially to enhance equine welfare in the warmer months. The existing single horse urinal, which was considered by trainers to be too small, will be increased in size. A second urinal will also be added.

All the fencing in the redevelopment of Tabcorp Park Menangle is new, which includes pool style fencing on the building side of the stables. This fencing near the public lawn area has been moved 12 metres away from the stalls to give more space for trainers to walk their horses and also to give the public an improved view of the horses in the nearest row of stalls.

With appropriate stall allocations on feature days these stalls will be occupied by the stars of the respective meetings. Rainwater collected from the roof of the stables will be captured and stored in two 207,000 litre underground tanks for use in track maintenance.

PARTICIPANTS FACILITIES

The old facilities have been renovated with the incorporation of a female change room. The stewards’ room has been increased in size, whilst the former storage room will be converted into a Garrard’s Horse & Hound outlet.

There is a newly established fenced compound, which will be completed with tables and chairs. This area will be utilised by trainers, drivers and owners when having pre and post race discussions and deliberations. In the open stand, facing the track, above the participants’ facilities, seating has been segregated and reserved for the use of competing trainers, drivers and owners.

PUBLIC STAND

This building, established in 1973, has been extensively refurbished into a modern facility equal to any track.

Entry is through automatic doors from trackside where the stand has been fitted out with stadium seating. This seating has also been installed in the open stand.

Newly glazed and air conditioned, the Public Stand features an ultra modern bar incorporating tote facilities. The upper level will eventually house gaming machines.

Also on the upper level nearest the stables is the winning owners’ room whilst at the opposite end of the building a lift for use by the disabled has been installed. The bathroom facilities in the building have been modernised including the establishment of a disabled toilet and baby change room.

This area will be first utilised on official opening day as the VIP function room.
The officials’ tower above the public stand has been altered to include a room for the stewards to view the races.

FOOD HALL

This area has received a complete make-over and is now fully enclosed with automatic glass doors. Features of the food hall include a comfortable coffee lounge and bar area. There is easy access to the extensive lawn area.

MEMBERS & DINING STAND

This building, established in 1968, was completely gutted and now has been refurbished into a combined members’ bar & dining room as well as a public restaurant. The kitchen is completely new whilst the entrance is now fully enclosed.

All of the pre-existing buildings have been up-graded to meet Building Code of Australia standards.

PRIVATE MARQUEE & STORAGE

The remnants of an old grandstand have been rejuvenated with a twofold purpose of a storage area which, atop will have a concrete base for the erection of a 200 seat corporate marquee.

CORPORATE MARQUEE

This marquee will accommodate up to 300 patrons and extends along the new lawn which is adjacent to the mile starting point.

FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT AREA

This area, which has been turfed, will be the domain of families with younger children and will include a host of rides, face painting and other activities to keep everyone entertained.

PUBLIC FOOD & BEVERAGE

The undercover awning will be transformed into a number of food and beverage outlets for feature meetings.

PUBLIC LAWNS

The lawns in front of the stands and in the area adjacent to the stables have been re-turfed and will create areas for patrons to view races or for children to run and play.

MAIN ENTRANCE

The heritage listed main entrance has been restored and internally renovated to accommodate large crowds at feature race meetings. It is located adjacent to the Tabcorp Park Menangle railway station, members parking, disabled parking and the coach drop-off areas.