Racing is set to resume at the Otaki track as scheduled, on October 21.

Around 18 horses worked on the renovated track on Wednesday, over a variety of distances from the inside rail.

The consensus from those in attendance, including representatives from the Otaki Maori Racing Club, NZTR, trainers, riders and the RIU, was that the track was in good order and would be ready for the October 21 date.

Stipendiary Steward Neil Goodwin was impressed with the condition of the track. “The track looked a picture and performed in accordance with its appearance,” Goodwin said. “The surface was very consistent the whole way around the course.”

Several riders, including Rosie Myers, Buddy Lammas and Zinjite Moki, also expressed their approval.

There has been no racing at Otaki since early February and a drainage project has since been completed, in addition to the annual track renovation programme.