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Tracks
About
Although a few turf tracks exist, harness racing tracks around the world are predominantly custom built with all-weather surfaces. Construction is generally of 8mm - 10mm crushed stone or other aggregate, above a hardened and well drained sub-surface. Track lengths vary from 800m to 1600m, usually in the shape of an oval. The two turns are often cambered, with the shorter the track length - the steeper the camber required. Tracks must be safe, consistent, light and fast. In-between races, light harrowing and watering is often effected.
In South Africa the model provides for two categories of tracks: M (Metropolitan) and R (Rural). M tracks are planned for Durban, Tshwane, Cape Town and Bloemfontein, and sites at Dundee, Umtata, Polokwane and Bisho are currently under consideration as R tracks. As harness racing tracks are significantly smaller than conventional thoroughbred or flat tracks, potential exists for them to be satisfactorily sited within the in-field of a thoroughbred racecourse. Clairwood in Durban, and Scottsville in Pietermaritzburg are both possibilities here.
Example of a Typical Harness Racing Track
Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia:
| Track Address: | Showgrounds , Mount Austin, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2650 |
| Distance from town centre: | 4.0 kms from CBD |
| Days: | Fridays |
| Season: | Year round |
Track and starting descriptions:
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Circumference: |
823.34 metres |
| Length of Home Straight: | 165.00 metres |
| Radius of Turns: | 75 metres |
| Track surface: | Crushed stone |
| Racing Distances (m): | 1720, 1755,2165,2575 |
| Direction: | Anti-Clockwise |
| Fields: | Mobile - 10
Stand - 12 |
| Front Line: | Mobile - 6
Stand - 8 |
| Sprint Lane: | No |
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