Racing Victoria has announced that the newly renovated synthetic track at Geelong will be back in action for training and jump-outs by the end of April 2010.

The first race meeting on the new surface is scheduled to be conducted on Friday, May 28, approximately seven weeks later than originally planned.

RVL Chief Executive Rob Hines said the delay is due to a more extensive rebuild of the track base than what was originally anticipated.

“When our contractor Pro-Ride removed the existing racing surface it became apparent that the base was not in a good condition,” Hines said.

“We have decided to renew the base and the drainage layer to ensure that we overcome the drainage issues that have plagued synthetic tracks in other jurisdictions and that we get it absolutely right before returning to racing on the new surface.

“I would like to thank the local Geelong trainers and the Geelong Racing Club for their patience as we strive to build the very best possible synthetic racing track.

“The race meetings that were to be held on the synthetic track will be transferred to the turf at Geelong or nearby venues.”

Racing on the Geelong synthetic track was postponed last year when stones appeared in the surface.

RVL subsequently appointed Pro-Ride Australia in November 2009 to install and maintain a new surface at the track.

The revised schedule of upcoming meetings at Geelong in 2010 is.

Friday, April 9 - Geelong Synthetic to Geelong Turf

Friday, April 16 - Geelong Synthetic to Ballarat

Friday, April 23 - Geelong Synthetic to Geelong Turf

Friday, April 30 - Geelong Synthetic to Venue to be confirmed

Sunday, May 9 - Geelong Turf to Geelong Turf (no change)

Friday, May 14 - Geelong Synthetic to Kilmore

Friday, May 21 - Geelong Synthetic to Geelong Turf