While yesterday’s meeting was actually the second at the new track [following a mid-week meeting last Wednesday], it was the first chance for most to see what all the fuss has been about.

It was always going to be a gamble for the Bathurst Harness Racing Club to leave its traditional home at Bathurst Showground, given the long history at the old venue.

Long-time pacing fans recall the showground grandstand being packed to the rafters during the glory days of local harness racing, when past champions like Hondo Grattan graced the track.

But those days are long gone and the showground has looked a forlorn place during most mid-week meetings in recent years, particularly in the depths of winter.

Hopefully, that will all change now.

The new Bathurst Paceway boasts the sort of creature comforts that modern-day sports fan have come to expect and, from all reports, the track itself is one of the very best.

By the time the Gold Crown rolls around again next year, the new complex should be running like a well-oiled machine.

And when the thousands of pacing fans – new and old – file through the gates for the final night of the 10-day carnival, we will see the local club’s big dream become a reality.

Congratulations to all involved with the planning and construction of the new Bathurst Paceway.

The complex just adds to the impressive list of sporting facilities now available across the Bathurst region and builds on this city’s reputation as one of the harness racing – and sporting – capitals of regional Australia.