ILLAWARRA GRANGE READY FOR MAIDEN RACE MEETING

AUSTRALIA’S newest racetrack will be unveiled tomorrow at Kembla Grange – and local racing identity Luke Price has given it the “thumbs up”.

The Illawarra Grange, an inside track to the course proper, will host a six-race TAB meeting beginning at 1.20pm.

Former successful jockey Price, who co-trains with his father Rob, has ridden on the track and says it will be a winner for sure.

“It cambers well and rides well,” he said today.

“And it will love rain, and respond really well to it.

“There’s no doubt it will be a big asset to Illawarra Turf Club and racing in general.

“RacingNSW’s senior steward Steve Railton has been of great assistance, speaking regularly with our local industry participants.

“As a result, the club has ensured the track has been given ample time before a race meeting is held.

“It’s definitely ready to go tomorrow.”

The Illawarra Grange is 1950m in circumference, has a width of 22m and the home straight is 415m.

ITC racing manager Zane Campbell says the turf track has been designed to handle wet weather.

“It comprises a mix of sand and soil, with 90 per cent sand and the remainder soil.

“There has been a lot of interest in our first meeting tomorrow.

“My phone hasn’t stopped ringing all morning.

“We’ve had some rain this morning, but that’s no problem.

“The more the better and the track rating is a ‘Good 4’.”

The Illawarra Grange has seven starting points; 1150m, 1200m, 1300m, 1400m, 1450m, 2000m and 2200m.

Four of those will be used tomorrow; two 1300m races and two at 1450m, along with an 1150m and 1400m.

Team Price will have two runners at the opening meeting; Irish Pete and All Machiavellian.

Brock Ryan rides Irish Pete in the 198FM’S Fell Good Fun Provincial Maiden Handicap (1300m), and Alysha Collett partners All Machiavellian in the Kennards Hire Benchmark 64 Handicap (1300m).

“All Machiavellian is definitely our best chance,” Price said.

“He has taken nice improvement from his first-up fourth to Presides in a similar race over 1200m on the course proper on April 18.

“Irish Pete is a Tassort three-year-old who has raced only once, and is still learning.

“He will race in blinkers for the first time tomorrow.”

STORY JOHN CURTIS, MAY 4, 2026 - PICS BRADLEY PHOTOS