Racing Victoria Limited (RVL) on Monday announced that the newly renovated synthetic track at Geelong will be available for training and jump-outs by the end of April 2010, with the first race date on the new surface now expected to be on Friday, 28 May, approximately seven weeks later than originally planned.

RVL Chief Executive Rob Hines said the delay is due to a more extensive rebuild of the track base than was originally anticipated.

“When our contractor Pro-Ride removed the existing racing surface it became apparent that the base was not in a good condition. We have decided to renew the base and the drainage layer to ensure that we overcome the drainage issues that have plagued synthetic tracks in other jurisdictions and that we get it absolutely right before returning to racing on the new surface.

“I would like to thank the local Geelong trainers and the Geelong Racing Club for their patience as we strive to build the very best possible synthetic racing track. The race meetings that were to be held on the synthetic track will be transferred to the turf at Geelong or nearby venues,” Hines said.

Racing on the Geelong synthetic track was postponed last year when stones appeared in the surface. RVL subsequently appointed Pro-Ride Australia in November 2009 to install and maintain a new surface at the track.

Revised schedule of upcoming meetings at Geelong:

Date: Current Venue - Replacement

Friday 9 April: Geelong Synthetic - Geelong Turf

Friday 16 April: Geelong Synthetic - Ballarat

Friday 23 April: Geelong Synthetic - Geelong Turf

Friday 30 April: Geelong Synthetic - Venue to be confirmed

Sunday 9 May: Geelong Turf - Geelong Turf (no change)

Friday 14 May: Geelong Synthetic - Kilmore

Friday 21 May: Geelong Synthetic - Geelong Turf

Friday 28 May: Geelong Synthetic - Return to Geelong Synthetic