Menangle Park Track Progress

January 2006

The new track based on the design of the internationally acclaimed Mohawk Raceway in Canada will usher in a new era for the NSW Harness Racing Club's Menangle Park complex.

In what will be the first stage of a major redevelopment for Menangle, the new track will be 1400 metres in circumference and will accommodate 10 horses all starting from a front row.

NSWHRC Vice President Rex Horne believes the new track will be the envy of Australian harness racing.

"There's no doubt it [the new track] will set a benchmark for the Australian harness racing industry," he said.

Menangle Park underwent a mini revamp in 1996 to cater for meetings transferred from Harold Park but the 1400-metre track proposal goes well beyond any cosmetic changes.

"The new track will promote racing excellence," Rex Horne said. "It's going to be a winner for drivers, horses, punters and spectators."

A NSWHRC meeting with a group of trainers, drivers and officials last month cleared the way for the new track design to go ahead.

"A lot of objectives were met during the meeting which was very pleasing from the Club's point of view," Rex Horne said.

"Meeting the needs of our participants is a very important element of the Club's new track.

"After the meeting the Club is confident we have made the best evaluation for the industry's future in NSW."

The Menangle track will be designed by leading American track designer Dan Coon.

Coon was the designer responsible for turning Harold Park into one of the world's premier half mile tracks during the mid 1990s.

With enough room to start 10 horses across a single mobile line, the track will accommodate 1609m and 2300m starting points.

The length of both straights will be 350 metres with the radius of the turns being 110 metres.

The turns will carry a ten percent camber to give horses finishing wider on the track an even chance when hitting the bends.

Racing is expected to return to Menangle Park in May next year with a project timetable already clearly defined.

The Club has already secured the services of a professional planning consultant who will be working closely with the Campbelltown City Council to ensure the full construction of the new circuit will be met with precision and with minimal delay.

Engineers have undertaken thorough investigations of the water flow through the 300 acre Menangle Park property to determine if the construction will be affected by a one in a hundred year flood.

Track construction by Dan Coon, without any delays, will begin in 12 months, however the base construction of the
circuit has already commenced.

DA Lodged for Menangle Park Track

May 2006

A new track for the NSW Harness Racing Club's Menangle Park Paceway has taken its most important step towards becoming a reality.

A Development Application was lodged with Campbelltown City Council, setting the wheels in motion for one of the most eagerly awaited projects in the NSW harness racing industry.

While the ambitious project was first tabled more than 12 months ago, local government protocol has meant the Club has had to address many environment and technical issues associated with the application.

The main area of concern dealt with the nearby Nepean River and the impact any flooding would have on the development site and surrounding areas.

With all the necessary surveys and studies completed for Council's consideration, the project is expected to be given the green light.

Club Chief Executive John Dumesny said the proposal to build a 1400-metre track had been well received by the State and Local Governments to add to the support from a majority of sectors of the harness racing industry

"We're thrilled with the terrific support we've had from Harness Racing NSW, who shared our vision for this project," he said.

"The State Member for Camden, Geoff Corrigan, has also given his full support for this massive project and we were also excited when the State Government, through Racing Minister Grant McBride, indicated its support for the Menangle plan."

With most of the red tape cleared, the 1400-metre track is expected to be completed by May next year.

Stage two of a Menangle redevelopment will then take centre stage. This will include permanent stabling for trainers wishing to re-locate to Sydney's western outskirts and for visiting country trainers.