Preparing Flemington for winter racing

Track preparation 

Liam O’Keeffe and the track team undertake a carefully planned winter program designed to preserve Flemington’s reputation as one of the world’s most consistent racing surfaces. 

“Immediately after the TAB Australian Cup, we began a mini renovation,” O’Keeffe explains. “We mow the turf down to three inches, collect all the clippings, then top-dress the surface with three millimetres of sand.” 

This is followed by overseeding with a precise blend of perennial ryegrass and Kentucky bluegrass – about 250 kilograms per hectare – which offers both durability and flexibility throughout the wetter months. The track is also drained to a depth of 240mm, aerated and fertilised in preparation for the Anzac Day meeting. 

Flemington’s surface – engineered with carefully calculated cambers on each turn – is designed to support horses’ footing and minimise strain as they race. But winter presents its own challenges. 

“In colder, wetter weather, grass growth slows and the track can soften,” says O’Keeffe. “We space the running rail evenly across winter to reduce concentrated wear and tear, helping produce a more consistent surface across all lanes.” 

The team implements a strong aeration program, including monthly Verti-Drain treatments, to maintain firmness underfoot and prevent slippage – crucial for horse and rider safety. Access to the track is also restricted during the wettest weeks to avoid unnecessary stress on the turf. 

Around the gardens

There’s new activity in the gardens at Flemington, with significant changes underway to enhance its beauty. Near the taxi roundabout, the Katie Pianto rose – an elegant pink climber that had flowered for 32 years – has been removed after reaching the end of its usual life expectancy. Though still beautiful, it had begun to pull on the fencing, prompting a carefully considered redesign. 

Around 60–80 rambling rose bushes have made way for a new planting scheme featuring 200 standard roses in soft pink and cream, underplanted with 450 magenta floribunda roses. The new colours have been hand-selected by Mick Ryan at the rose farm to complement the tones of the nearby rose arbour. The arbour, which itself undertook a renovation a couple of years ago, is now more visible thanks to the installation of a new, lower fence (1.5 metres high instead of the previous 2.2). 

Preparation for the replanting includes digging a hole that will be filled with high-quality, tested soil, enriched with a handful of seamungus to support strong root development. Irrigation will be installed, and the roses will be lightly pruned before being left to rest through the colder months. Winter dormancy is key – roses need a good ‘sleep’ to ensure a spectacular spring bloom, and the colder the winter, the better they perform. 

Elsewhere on course, a new project is just beginning near the Domain roundabout at the top of Members Drive, where the waterfall area is being transformed into a tranquil Japanese garden. The renovation will take place over winter – in between the essential task of pruning roses once the weather cools. The redesigned space will include a waterfall, an arched bridge, koi fish, and Japanese maple trees – an elegant and peaceful addition that further enhances Flemington’s reputation as a garden destination as well as a world-class racetrack.