Ellerslie Installs State-of-the-Art Track Crossing

Auckland Thoroughbred Racing (ATR) has taken another step in its commitment to world-class facilities and participant safety with the installation of a state-of-the-art track crossing at Ellerslie.

The new crossing has been designed to provide greater consistency of transition between the course proper and the crossing, with it now sitting in the Good 4 range compared to the much firmer surface it once was. This creates a smoother, more uniform footing for horses and reduces the risk of slips or hesitation. Its colour-matched surface blends with the surrounding turf, providing a consistent visual cue for horses and reducing the likelihood of shying on approach.

Developed and installed by Gallop Track and Equine Crossing Australia (ECA), the system uses a rebound mat base that cushions impact and allows water to pass quickly through the surface, even in heavy rain. The crossing is built to handle horse, vehicle, and truck traffic, requires only light grooming for raceday presentation, and does not require watering, with the surface remaining stable without additional moisture.

Ellerslie’s course proper compared to the new track crossing.

ATR CEO Paul Wilcox says the project is a milestone for Ellerslie and a proud moment for the club.

“We’re incredibly proud to be the first club in New Zealand to install a crossing of this standard,” says Wilcox.

“This project is about more than just infrastructure; it’s about doing everything we can to improve safety for two of our most important participants on raceday – the jockeys and the horses. It’s satisfying to deliver something that lifts the bar for the entire industry, and we hope other clubs will consider installing similar crossings after seeing the benefits here at Ellerslie.”

Six horses galloped across the new crossing yesterday morning, with Wilcox noting that “to see horses gallop across it – and hear positive feedback from the riders – was a great moment for our team.”

Horses trying out Ellerslie’s new track crossing on Monday morning.

Senior jockey Samantha Collett also reported that the horses travelled confidently and without hesitation.

“It was great out there. I thought it rode nicely, with the new surface a lot softer to ride across. It’s certainly a fantastic new asset for Ellerslie.”

ECA’s Mick White says the crossing’s design represents a new benchmark for racetrack safety.

“We believe this is the safest crossing in the world.

“The profile is made up of a stone drainage layer, a hex safety mat, and a rebound safety mat, topped with 150mm of the green sand synthetic fibre.

“The rebound mat limits bottom-up compaction and aids drainage, while the top layer replicates turf so the horses can’t tell the difference between the crossing and the course proper.”

ECA’s Mick and Patrick White on course at Ellerslie to see horses trying out the new track crossing they installed for Auckland Thoroughbred Racing.

The ECA Rebound Crossing is already in use at major Australian venues including Flemington, Ballarat, Sandown, and Elwick, with further installations confirmed in Queensland and South Australia. Feedback from Australian jockeys and trainers has been consistently positive, noting the natural feel underfoot and improved confidence for horses.

Racegoers will see the crossing in action for the first time when it makes its raceday debut at Ellerslie’s Spring Raceday this Saturday – with free general admission for all.