Menangle Park Track Development Moves Forward

March 2007

The NSW Harness Racing Club’s development application for Menangle Park was approved in December - and it’s been full steam ahead ever since. The back straight of the 1400-metre circuit is almost complete, and, at the time of writing, the Club was waiting for the Construction Certificate to be processed.

Club Deputy Chairman Rex Horne has taken a passionate interest in the Menangle project and he believes the state-of-the-art track will provide the NSW harness racing industry with a massive shot in the arm. “There have already been savings made on the project from the initial costing and this will help make Menangle an even bigger showpiece for the industry,” he said.

Plans to renovate and modernise existing grandstand and other public facilities are also being undertaken to ensure Menangle Park provides the latest in spectator comfort.

“We are in the process of engaging experts to see what is required regarding the racecourse’s grandstands, stabling area and driver’s rooms,” Mr Horne said.

“It’s okay to say that we will have the track finished but to be fair to our Members, paying customers and participants we must have the right facilities to go with it.”

Mr Horne said he saw no reason why midweek racing wouldn’t return to Menangle in early 2008. “It should take a maximum of 12 months,” he said.

“Because of delays with the Development Application the project has been running about six months behind schedule. But the Club has made real progress over the past months and Members and participants can expect a lot of announcements to come in the near future.

“Personally, I can’t wait for racing to return to Menangle. With that will come a business plan that will help consolidate the Club’s future.”

Club Chief Executive Officer John Dumesny said the project continued to receive overwhelming support from both Local and State Governments.

“The commitment given by Campbelltown Mayor Aaron Rule and General Manager Paul Tosi is an encouraging sign for harness racing in the Macarthur area,” he said.

“The state member for Camden Geoff Corrigan has been a driving force behind the development and we look forward to his continued assistance in the future,” Dumesny said.

Members Volunteer for Menangle Park

June 2007

Industry enthusiasm for the Club’s Menangle Park project continues to grow with a band of dedicated volunteers now involved in the re-development.

With the volunteer group made up of industry participants, Club Members, Board Members and staff, work has started on demolishing the interiors of the existing facilities as well as exterior fixtures such as sheds and fences.

"The support the Club has received has been overwhelming," Club Deputy Chairman Rex Horne said. "Each Saturday there has been a dedicated group get together at Menangle. It’s great to see and I think it shows how much the Club’s vision for Menangle means to the industry."

The volunteer group, with demolition tools at the ready, have been responsible for removing carpet, ceilings and walls in preparation for a total re-fit of Members’ and public facilities.

"It was going to cost the Club an estimated $200,000 for the demolition and clean-up to take place," Mr Horne said.

"When we found out the cost we decided to do it in-house. The savings to the Club will be significant and I urge anyone who wishes to lend a hand to contact John Dumesny or myself to be advised of arrangements."

Volunteer work groups will assemble at Menangle Park each Saturday morning over the coming weeks until all tasks are completed. Once the demolition stage has been completed, the Club will put the building work out for tender.

As for the re-development of the actual racing track, Mr Horne said the timetable for completion was on schedule. "It will really start to take shape over the next few months," he said.

After the foundation is laid, the Club will then call on the internationally renowned expertise of track designer Dan Coon who will oversee the installation of the last 300mm of top dressing.

Coon is expected to start work in November. "All the cambers will be in place when he arrives and it is expected he will take two months to prepare the surface for racing condition," Mr Horne said. "That means we should be ready to hold trials early in the New Year."

The Club is planning a gala opening for either March or April next year and is currently in negotiations with racing broadcaster Sky Channel for a Sunday date.

"Everything is on track which is fantastic because the Club is trying to complete a $5 million project at a cost of $2.5 million," Mr Horne said. "These savings will ultimately be put back into the industry."

If anyone would like to join the volunteer group at Menangle Park, they are urged to contact Rex Horne on 0414 464 390 or the Chief Executive John Dumesny on (02) 9660 3688.

Above: The 1st Menangle Park Volunteers put in a mighty effort on the initial Saturday in the Members Bar/Dining area and are pictured (from left) Peter Sullivan, Rex Horne, Leon Jurd, John Angel, Robert Turner, Loraine Angel, David Douglas, Peter Morris and Chandra Sullivan. Ron Yeo and Ian Thorn also attended on the Saturday whilst Brian Nicholson and his team carried out specialist work during the past weeks. Peter Plummer, Jim Caffyn, Peter Morris Jnr and Nat Dumesny joined the volunteers on the second weekend