Track Records at re-opening of Goulburn Paceway

Following major re-construction work at the Goulburnpaceway, the track was re-opened for a Tier 2 meeting on Friday afternoon the 25 November, 2011.  With a number of guests in attendance, including: the CEO of Harness Racing NSW, Mr Graeme Campbell, Councillor Denzil Sturgess of the Goulburn Mulwaree Council and Mr Dave Matthews of Divalls Earthworks and Bulk Haulage, harness fans saw two track records created on a day which was anything but ideal for record performances.

Heavy rain which preceded the meeting was followed by an overcast, cold and wintery afternoon.  Drizzle with intermit heavier showers persisted for all afternoon but it wasn't long before the first record was created.  The opening event, the $4,500 Tattersalls Hotel Trotters Handicap from the standing start over 2240m was taken out by the Russell Commens trained Xenon who came off the 40m handicap.  In recording a mile rate of 2:04.2, the 6yo bay mare eclipsed Earldom's previous record by an impressive 1.2 seconds.

Race 4 of the afternoon, the $4,500 Goulburn Soldiers Club Pace saw the 1710m record fall to the David Hewitt trained Ark Alencon.  Starting second favourite, the injury proned 7yo pacer settled towards the rear of the field and with the leaders setting a solid pace the race was set up for a record time.  With the first three quarters recorded in 28.5, 30.6 and 29.6, Ark Alencon sprinted home strongly in a final quarter of 28.8 to score convincingly from Bylong Astar and Incorruptible.  With the overall time at 2.04.3 returning a mile rate was 1:56.95, the time was officially recorded as 1:57

The Goulburn Club next races on Thursday afternoon the 22nd December when a Tier 3 meeting will be held.  The club's committee is in full swing for the club's Carnival of Cups race day which is being held on Sunday afternoon the 22nd January, 2012.