The thoroughbred training facilities at the Gawler and Barossa Jockey Club have been bolstered by the unveiling of a state-of-the-art equine treadmill.
The industry-funded treadmill will provide more scope for local trainers to condition and rehabilitate their horses. It follows the opening of a $495,000 equine swimming pool at the site last year which was funded via the State Government’s $24 million racing industry stimulus package.
Gawler and Barossa Jockey Club CEO Shane Collins said the new facilities would broaden the appeal of the venue for trainers in the region and beyond.
“The treadmill has been a wonderful benefit to us. The feedback from the trainers has been really positive,” Collins said.
“The equine pool last year and now the treadmill has really given our trainers an opportunity to maximize their business which is important to us.
“In recent years we’ve made a decision to focus on the trainers at our club and we are working hard to make sure our facilities support their business. If their business can grow that’s beneficial not only to them but to us and to the industry here in SA.
“We’re about to put a new roof facility over the treadmill which will enclose the area right up to our vet stalls which are used on race day so it’ll become a more comfortable area for horses and staff alike.”
The Gawler racecourse is also currently undergoing further development with the construction of a new $216,000 State Government-funded on-course stabling facility.
“With the development of our new stable block, that will see another 20 horses here on track,” Collins said.
“Our commitment to our trainers and the training of horses here at Gawler has really been supported by Racing SA and our Committee and we’re seeing the benefits. Without support from Racing SA and the State Government these projects certainly wouldn’t be achievable so we’re really grateful.”
Training partnership Kerri McAnulty and Clint Binnie are among the local trainers already using the treadmill to enhance their conditioning programs.
“We’ve got nine horses in work at the moment and they’ve all really taken to it. We’ve got a couple that will use it quite a bit as part of their recovery,” McAnulty said.
“Mentally it keeps the horses fresh, physically it uses different muscles, it’s a great tool as it mixes things up and keeps them happy. We’re really pleased that we’ve got one here.”
