| 139 T T Kelly Deeks Improving safety for racing greyhounds The scope of works included the removal of the existing track sand, which was then mechanically screened on site. Greyhound Racing New Zealand RECREATION The recently completed track remediation works by Greyhound Racing New Zealand (GRNZ) at Addington in Christchurch have ensured the integrity of the surface and the welfare of dogs in line with GRNZ’s commitment to providing racing greyhounds with the safest environment possible while they are on the track. Completed in July, the sand track at Addington, like any natural surface, has to be renovated from time to time. It last happened at Addington in 2021, and the track will be renovated again whenever it is required. Racing was suspended for about a month while these works were underway. GRNZ racing safety and infrastructure manager Bill Wilson says a couple of inconsistencies were becoming apparent with the base layer of the track and if left unattended, could have led to a compromised and inconsistent surface that could have an impact on racing greyhounds. It was decided to address the issues over June and July with the intention of ensuring the welfare of the greyhounds and getting back to racing as soon as possible in support of the industry. The scope of works included the removal of the existing track sand, which was then mechanically screened on site. With the natural base layer exposed, this was remediated and re-graded to reinstate its integrity. Some auxiliary works included the removal and renovation of the race starts, which required the removal of some concrete kerbing, guttering, concrete slabs and starting boxes, which were all renovated as well. The exposed base layer of the track was then reinstated with bidim geofabric mat, the track sand replaced on top of that and consolidated and graded ready for racing to resume. This project was completed by several organizations, who each specialise in certain aspects of the programme. They worked under GRNZ’s specifications and expectations and these were certainly fulfilled, with an extremely well-coordinated engagement of all the contractors and the project coming in on time and on budget. The only challenge on this smooth-running project was Christchurch’s typical weather patterns at that time of year. “But we had a really good run,” Bill says. “ We actually only lost two days out of the time allocated. One day, when rain certainly impacted our progress, and the following day, when things were a little damp. We could have proceeded that day but the damp would have meant additional days in reinstatement. It was also extremely cold, but we can work around the cold.” Bill says greyhound welfare is prominent, especially in the track and infrastructure space, so ensuring track surfaces and associated racing infrastructure is always maintained and meeting minimum standards is critical. GRNZ has been working hard on its welfare standards and has made huge inroads in the past 18 months, particularly around tracks and infrastructure but also in greyhounds’ journeys from the track to the couch. “Greyhound racing in many of these areas arguably leads the way amongst the other racing codes. “We are very much focused on one outcome, and that outcome is improving animal welfare and the options we can provide for greyhounds past their racing careers.” Horse training tracks General earthworks Equestrian arenas Farm tracks | Driveways SELWYN LAKE ROAD IRWELL Ph 0275 710 915 or 3291 884 • jules_ian@xtra.co.nz WE SPECIALISE IN: • High Pressure Cleaning • Hydro Excavation • Air Vacuum • CCTV Survey • Road Sweeping • Septic Tank Services 2 Neeves Road, Kaiapoi, 7691 Ph: 0275 888809 E: suckitupltd@gmail.com www.suckitup.co.nz
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