Steriline Racing makes Morphettville racecourse ‘state-of-the-art'
28 Aug 2009
As part of the multi-million dollar redevelopment of Adelaide’s only metropolitan racecourse, Allan Scott Park Morphettville, South Australian owned company Steriline Racing Pty Ltd has installed an impressive range of new racetrack equipment.
In line with the rationalisation to one racecourse, the recent completion of the inner track ‘The Parks’, as it is known, forms part of a joint initiative between the South Australian Government and the South Australian Jockey Club to create South Australia’s premier thoroughbred horse racing venue.
“As the world’s number one manufacturer of horse racing starting gates, with a geographic spread that includes leading courses in over 50 countries; from Hong Kong to Royal Ascot, Flemington to Dubai; it was a privilege to collaborate locally on this important milestone in our state’s racing history,” said Steriline Racing managing director, John Fargher.
Mr Fargher, whose family has been involved in breeding and racing in Australia for generations, said Steriline had been at the forefront of manufacturing racecourse equipment for more than 50 years.
“Our mobile starting gates and running rails are the choice of the most prestigious racing facilities throughout the world and that includes most of Australia’s race tracks,” he said.
“For a business located in Mount Barker in the Adelaide Hills, it has been fantastic to contribute to the local racing industry,” said Mr Fargher.
The Steriline designed and manufactured equipment installed at Morphettville includes:
A new Winning Post System
With two tracks operating new finishing post technology was required. To provide uninterrupted vision, the original winning post was removed and a ‘fold down’ sign erected, the design of which facilitates the use of digital advertising screens, providing Race Clubs with opportunities to maximise promotional advertising opportunities.
Sighter Rails
Designed to provide a visual barrier on the outside rail, they can be quickly and easily retracted when not required. This feature is relevant in situations where there is an embankment behind the rail, or where there is increased risk of horses taking on the rail, such as hurdle wings.
Rail on Wheels
Designed for quick and easy movement, these rails minimise labour. For example on cross-overs, the inside rail can be moved to become the main rail across a chute, hence saving time and the need for additional equipment.
Steward Towers
Fully compliant to Australian standards, Steriline towers feature: fall arresting cages; raised camera pedestals to cater for both stewards and cameramen in one tower; the availability of a camera winch for raising and lowering camera safely; an earthing system to provide lightning protection; anti slip yellow stair/step grips; and a modular design.
Moveable Clamp Fixed Running Rail
Configured in 18 metre sections, the 2600 metres installed around the Morphettville track can be relocated within six hours.
Mr Fargher said Steriline's attention to detail, focus on reliability, durability and safety, supported by excellent after sales service had established this firm as a world leader.
As the ‘supplier of choice’ for the Olympic Games, Steriline Racing has provided steeple chase rail for the 2000 Sydney Olympics, four sets of starting gates for the 2004 Athens Olympics, and specifically designed railing for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
“We are currently negotiating our involvement in the upcoming 2012 London Olympics, thanks to the reputation we have established from the previous supply of quality performance products,” said Mr Fargher.
"Our innovation and engineering excellence keeps us ahead of the field,” he added. “Our airgates, feature a revolutionary pneumatic gate release system — with unsurpassed power and precision that sets the pace for a fast, clean break every race."
Mr Fargher said Steriline Racing considered itself to be a service provider rather than just an equipment supplier.
"That's very much how we approach business around the world," he said. "We will be there when people need us, whether it’s for maintenance, upgrading, or modifications to suit local training and handling requirements. That's critical in this industry, where local custom, training procedures and racing conditions require different solutions."
Steriline Racing has been ISO Quality accredited to Australian and New Zealand standards since 1997, ensuring the company’s rigorous quality standards are audited and sustained.
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For further information, please contact:
John Fargher at Steriline Racing
Telephone: +61 8 83983133
Email: jfargher@sterilineracing.com
