Club officials, the Racing Integrity Board and New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing joined riders in assessing the track’s progress after its turf renovation in May.

Senior jockeys Jonathon Riddell, Kelly Myers, Leah Hemi and Lily Sutherland were among those in attendance.

“I thought the track felt really nice today,” Jonathon said. “Every horse I rode bounced off it and it felt even.”

Liam O’Keeffe said the track had presented well for the jumpouts.

“The track at Hastings on Monday presented well and the feedback from riders was positive. It is pleasing to see the improvement in the surface since the May track renovation. We expect to see further improvement to the surface as the weather warms up into spring,” Liam said.

The turf has been kept at a low height to encourage it to thicken up, while several severe frosts over the past week have slowed its recovery towards racing height.

Conditions are now improving, and the turf is already responding to the warmer weather.

The reconstructed bottom bend will continue to be carefully managed through to raceday.

Verti-Draining will take place with targeted verti-draining on the tighter reconstructed bend.

The current moisture readings are at 40%.  Rain is forecast later this week which will push this number out.

The current Going Sticks readings are showing that the grass strength is good.  The penetrant is in the expected range but the verti draining and forecast rain will likely soften this further which aligns with the agreed maintenance process.

The jumpouts were held with the rail out 5m, and the plan is for the rail to be in the true position for the August 22 meeting.