Wellington Cup Carnival Launch

Century City Developments Wellington Cup Carnival Launch

Trentham racecourse has had a major upgrade since last January’s historic celebration of 100 years of racing on the champagne turf.

Wellington Racing Club President Mike Brown at last night’s (Tuesday) launch of next January’s 2007 Century City Developments Wellington Cup carnival said the extensive improvements to the track and recent refurbishments of some of the facilities has given the venue a major face lift.

“The somewhat tired old dame has had a really superb makeover in the past year ahead of what promises to be an even bigger, richer and more colourful 2007 Century City Developments Wellington Cup carnival next January.”

Prizemoney for the 2007 three day carnival has been boosted by $292,000 to a record $1.57 million with the Group One Century City Developments Wellington Cup worth $300,000.

Interest in the Group One Sharp Telegraph Handicap (1200m) on the first day of the Carnival is very pleasing, with the likes Jokers Wild, Seachange and Darci Brahma along with last season’s winner Gee I Jane amongst the nominations which closed yesterday (Tuesday). The prizemoney for the Sharp Telegraph Handicap has doubled in the last two years to $200,000.

Mr Brown said that the Trentham track has come through the Club’s two recent race meetings in great shape despite the very wet conditions that threatened both race days.

The Trentham track was closed for eight months earlier this year during which time the Club spent more than $600,000 on an extensive drainage programme. A new automated irrigation system was also installed, which will allow management to present a superb summer racing surface for the Club’s upcoming carnival. Two race meetings have been run at Trentham in November and December since the work was completed and while the track was rated as heavy both days after a lot rain overnight and on race morning both meetings have been held without any issues arising.

Mr Brown said that while getting the track right was the Club’s first priority, a good deal of deferred maintenance work has also been undertaken as part of the Board’s strategic vision to return Trentham to its former glory.

“Last year just prior to the Centenary Cup meeting we painted the historic main tote building and are our contractors are now busy repainting the entire seating area of the public stand, as well as the exterior of the annex building.

ENDS

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