Sport
25 April, 2023
Jump trials a success
TERANG’S first-time hosting hurdle trials has proven a success, as the club casts its eyes on welcoming future opportunities.
TERANG’S first-time hosting hurdle trials has proven a success, as the club casts its eyes on welcoming future opportunities.
Eight trials were on the card at Terang racecourse last Friday, giving racing teams the opportunity to qualify or trial ahead of the Warrnambool May Racing Carnival.
Racing Victoria announced in March the hurdle trials would be moved from Warrnambool to Terang, with two sessions transferred on March 29 and April 21 due to an ongoing inside grass project being undertaken by Warrnambool Racing Club.
Terang and District Racing Club president Shane Scally said the move was a boost for the town and the racing club.
“Having the hurdle trials is a bit of a plus for Terang,” he said.
“We haven’t had hurdle trials in the past but this is the second set we’ve run this year as people get ready for Warrnambool.
“We had trainers, riders and owners come from all over Victoria to qualify the horses for jumps races, or to give them a trial ahead of the Warrnambool May Racing carnival.
“There’s a lot of horses, 50 to 60, to trial which is good to show we can use a facility like Terang for the benefit of racing – particularly jumps racing.”
He said the day had run smoothly, with the club receiving positive feedback from all involved.
“It was good, we had a lot of horses and trainers from all over, and everyone was quite happy,” Scally said.
“The racers had course proper, which was an added advantage, so we feel everything went quite good.”
Mr Scally said he would welcome the opportunity for Terang to host more jumps events, including trials, in to the future.
“It’s the first time doing it, but we’re quite happy to be involved in the future if the opportunity arose,” he said.
“It has been a good opportunity to not only showcase the facilities, but to help trainers prepare.”
Mr Scally credited grounds staff for the quality of the track, which he felt held up strong after hosting the Terang Cup the week earlier.
“Terang is an ideal surface for jumpers, it has to be soft,” he said.
“We’re lucky to have good ground staff who know how to look after this track.”