Kensington track passes second test

The revamped Kensington track at Randwick has pleased Racing NSW officials after comfortably handling wet weather for the first time.

Racing NSW chief steward Marc Van Gestel reported no issues with the all-weather surface after an eight-race card on Monday, the second time the track had hosted a meeting since it was closed for racing in 2014.

The first meeting on the new surface was held in April on a good track and although it was in the heavy range before racing got underway on Monday, it was upgraded throughout the day to a soft 5.

“We’re cautious that it’s a new track but it’s exceeded all expectations,” Van Gestel said.

“It’s still in its infancy and certainly when we walked it, it gave the indication it was going to race much better than what the rating was this morning.

“The times suggest it coped well with the weather. We’re more than satisfied.”

James McDonald summed up the riders’ opinion after he saluted on Wide Spread Panic in the Book Spring Hospitality Now Handicap (1400m).

“It feels brilliant today,” he said.

The track is scheduled to host its next meeting on September 5.

“There was little or no damage today so it’ll be a good position coming into the spring,” Van Gestel said.