Healesville on track for race day

By Kath Gannaway
THE barrier is up … and they’re racing at Healesville.
Erecting a three-metre barrier around the stalls, mounting yard and other key horse-to-human areas to comply with equine-flu bio-security measures was on top of the job list for Healesville Amateur Racing Club members on Sunday.
President Pat Lalor had a team of workers down at the track for a working-bee in the lead-up to the first race of the 2007/08 season.
With the orange barriers in place the team set to work on some repairs to track rails and a general spruce up of the picnic areas and other facilities to make sure Derby Day this Saturday provides, horses, jockeys and the punters with a first-class start to the season.
Mr Lalor said last season was very successful and with improvements made over the winter break, this year is shaping up to be every more so.
For visitors the opening of the new toilet block has to be reason for celebration. A new grassed picnic area and refurbished bar have also been completed.
And the jockeys are in for a surprise too.
New secretary Peter Jenkins explained the track from the 700 to the home turn has been recambered over the break.
“What it means is the horses can come into the home-turn tighter. It gives every horse a chance and improves the racing.”
Mr Lalor predicted some record-breaking times … if it doesn’t rain!
The $20 punters club will be operating again this season and there are full TAB facilities on course.
Healesville racecourse is a perfect setting for a family picnic with plenty of lawn space, shaded areas and entertainment for the kids. Picnic lunches are popular, but there is also full on-course catering.
Even with the new bio-security barriers making sure horse and human keep a safe distance, the feeling of being close up close to the action is still very much part of the attraction at Healesville.
Membership for the seven meeting 2007/08 season starts at just $44 and now is the time to join to get the maximum value.
Full details of race dates, membership, race sponsorship and functions are available on the website at www.healesvilleraces.com.au or phone the secretary on 0418 358 988.