News & Media

13 September 2010 Stewards' Inquiry - Thoroughbreds

RWWA today, in conjunction with Perth Racing, announced that MawSafe plastic running rail will be erected at Ascot racecourse for the commencement of the Ascot racing season on 16 October 2010.

Over the past twelve months RWWA has investigated the suitability of the three leading plastic running rails available in Australia. Demonstrations of all rails were conducted at Ascot and all peak industry bodies were involved on a collaborative basis.

The MawSafe railing was determined to be the most suitable. This rail is currently being rolled out to a large number of tracks in Victoria.

RWWA CEO Richard Burt said "RWWA believes this initiative is an important enhancement of safety standards and should be welcomed by all industry participants."

"The MawSafe railing will be reviewed and assessed throughout the Ascot season. Following this, a review of the merits of plastic rail will be made and the benefits of a wider implementation at major tracks assessed".

Western Australia becomes only the second racing jurisdiction behind Victoria, to install plastic running rail for racing purposes. The current Ascot aluminium rail which is in good modern condition will eventually be allocated to outer country racetracks to improve minimum racing standards.

Apart from the obvious improvement of safety standards, the regular shifting and erection of the plastic rail should reduce club labour hours by up to 30%.

For further information please contact the Office of the Chairman of Stewards.

 

JOHN A. ZUCAL
RWWA Chairman of Stewards
From the office of the Chairman of Stewards
Racing and Wagering Western Australia
Stewards Division
70 Grandstand Road
Ascot WA 6104
Ph: (08) 9277 0777