11 October 2017 | Graham Fischer
Harness racing’s return to Wayville took an important step forward on Tuesday afternoon.
Harness Racing South Australia Stewards and Drivers gave the tight circuit a tick of approval after 13 horses took part in four run-around trials.
The run-arounds were part of the preparation for Retro Night on Friday, October 27 when a race meeting will be staged around the 510-metre track for the first time since April 7, 1973.
Harness Racing South Australia has organised a one-off Retro Night meeting as a major promotion for the sport.
Senior steward Simon Ewen said it was all systems go for the next actual trial session on Wednesday, October 18.
“The track has had the surface put down in readiness for race night and today it was very loose,” Mr Ewen said. “For next Wednesday’s trials, work will be done on the track to make it more user-friendly but not have it too firm.”
Drivers Danielle Hill, Scott Ewen and Ryan Hryhorec, who have been selected in 12 reinspeople to drive on Retro Night, all said they enjoyed the experience.
“I can imagine there will be a fantastic atmosphere when the crowd is around the track,” Hill said.
“Obviously the track was too loose today but with work, I know it will be great for Retro Night.”
Ryan Hryhorec said “You also had to really drive the horses around the turns because they had an instinct to run up the track which will be sorted when the track is more consolidated. Retro Night should really be an exciting experience.”
Scott Ewen said he was counting the days until Retro Night.“I’m looking forward to race night.”
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