| John Cameron
the CEO of the TRSA (Thoroughbred Racing South Australia) has declared the new
Morphettville track will be one of the best in the world when it is opened later this
month. Cameron's comments tday come hot on the heels
of major criticism from many industry leaders into the timing of the return with many
including leading trainers and jockeys believing the track needed further time to
consolidate.
Earlier this week TRSA and the SAJC announced that opening
of the new track would be deferred until the Lakewood Stud Stakes Day on April 20, a
fortnight after the original date.
A former jockey himself, Cameron claimed the track could
well be the best in the world when it's finally unveiled and used for racing in April.
"As someone who has ridden on and walked courses throughout New Zealand,
Australia, Asia, America and Europe I believe that Morphettville will prove to be one of
the best courses in the world," Cameron said.
"And the SAJC team should be
commended for a job well done," he added.
Further gallops were conducted on
the surface yesterday with Cameron saying that the condition was welcomed by major
players.
"For those that witnessed the
course gallops (yesterday) most were excited with the outcome."
"Local top apprentice Travis
Creek said after (significant) rain at Morphettville 'the course was fantastic."
"Dan O'Sullivan (a leading
local trainer) who also participated in the gallopers reiterated to all present that he
could not believe how good the course was after the last night's heavy rain."
Cameron said racing officials are
ensuring the track is 100 per cent safe for the return and they will not be placing anyone
at risk.
"As an ex-jockey I have always
been mindful that safety is paramount, a point to which, the TRSA Board now has a
significant emphasis."
"Just as importnat though is
the need for jockeys to be right about their preference to delay the use of the course or
twisting their preference into a safety issue," he said.
Cameron found similarities between
the likely maturity of the track and one of the state's most famous international and
national exports.
"As the course matures it will
only get better just like the SA great wines. Careful and planned usage of the track in
the coming year will see the track continue to improve."
His confidence in the new track is
clearly seen and he wrapped up by declaring "see you at the SAJC Carnival the best
one yet to come." |
