Sprint lanes in harness racing are similar to cut away rails in thoroughbred racing. A sprint lane provides room for one or two horses to move to the inside of the leader in the home straight at the end of the final lap. Sprint lanes are common in Australian and New Zealand harness racing.
In 2017 Tasracing commenced the process of developing a sprint lane at Luxbet Park, instigated at the request of the Tasmanian Pacing Club. It will be introduced after consultation with industry in September.
Tasracing would like to advise the industry that there have been unforeseen delays to the installation of the sprint lane at Elwick. The timetable is now as follows:
- Sprint lane surveyed and marked – Thursday 31 August 2017
- Office of Racing Integrity (ORI) inspection – Friday 1 September 2017
Upon approval from ORI the plan is to proceed as follows (pending the availability of contractors and equipment):
- Sprint Lane installed – Friday 8 September 2017
- Sprint lane utilized at trials – Monday 11 September 2017
- Final approval issued – Tuesday 12 September 2017
- Sprint lane open for racing – Friday 15 September 2017
Please note that the trial will take place for a full 12 months from the first time it is used for racing.
For any further details please contact Tasracing on 03 6212 9316.