Tomorrow will finally be the day racing returns to Glenburnie.
After 619 long days of pain and problems, hooves will be gracing the Allan Scott Racecourse in a race meeting again.
It will be a celebrated moment for jockeys, riders, trainers and punters alike as racing returns home.
A grand occasion awaits as well with seven races on the card jam-packed with near-capacity fields.
The revamped turf has been given the all clear after trials were held last week where jockeys likened the track to the famous fields of Flemington.
Following a near two-year hiatus, tomorrow marks the dawn of a new and fruitful era for the Mount Gambier Racing Club.
Mount Gambier Racing Club manager Brett Watson said all was in readiness for a grand reopening tomorrow.
“It has not been frustrating, but it has been a long journey and we are very appreciative for everyone’s support and time to make sure we got the track right,” he said.
“We had the upgrade which was done perfectly and the drainage worked how it should have, but unfortunately the Poa weed came in, so that was when track manager David Shepherdson came in and he has done an amazing job.
“It has been painstaking because we did not want to have anymore issues going forward which was the whole reason for delaying it, which was proven with the trials, so all is looking very well for the race meeting.
“We just hope the community gets behind it and shows it’s support.”
Watson admitted the wait of more than 600 days between race meetings took its toll on the club, but said he always saw the light at the end of the tunnel thanks to the strong support of the local and racing community.
“I have always been confident because we have been very careful with what we have spent,” he said.
“The club has never been in a position where it was going to fall over which goes back to good management by the team, staff and committee.
“We only spent money where we had to and we have had lots of fantastic volunteer helpers around the club.
“The Scott Group plus all of our other sponsors have been fantastic and continued on.
“Our loyal members and people around the industry who have also stuck by us which is fantastic and we cannot thank everyone enough.”
The excitement for racings return to the Blue Lake city is not only being felt at Glenburnie, but across the entire region.
A huge field of 107 horses have nominated for the seven-race card which is headlined by the Scott Group of Companies Benchmark 74 Handicap at 3.25pm and Watson said he could feel a sense of anticipation in the air.
“There has been a lot of good community feedback saying its great to see horses back which is great to see,” he said.
“The nominations are fabulous with full fields at most races, plus reserves after getting support from Murray Bridge, Warrnambool and Adelaide, plus all of the locals are super happy to go back racing.
“The fields are like previous meetings and all the great reports we received after the trials have helped.
“It will be all must-watch action, but the Benchmark 74 1800m has probably at least three horses that will be aiming for the Scott Group of Companies Mount Gambier Gold Cup, so that will present a form guide for the big race.”
The other area of concern during the recent past has been COVID-19 protocols and Watson said some would remain in place for the grand reopening.
“We will stick to our current COVID-19 restrictions where we are capped at 1000 people,” he said.
“Bookings have been done online, so if anyone wants to come along we encourage people to book online beforehand to help us with catering and track COVID-19 capacity numbers.
“There will be meals and drinks available upstairs in the members area which is welcome for everyone.
“That will be comfortable area with a fantastic view and the air conditioners on during a 34 degree day.
“We just hope people come out to Glenburnie and have a look at the great position the club finds itself in at the moment
Gates will open from 12pm, while the opening race starts at 1.40pm.
