In fact the first section of the grass laid in the home straight on January 19 has grown so quickly it had to be cut only two weeks after being put down.

The installation of the turf for the main racetrack was completed last Wednesday with the final strips being laid in two chutes off the main circumference.

Project manager Tim Elligate from Victorian company Anco Turf said the new track was superb.

“Apart from two crossing areas to allow for truck movement into the inside for the laying of the inner track in a few weeks we finished on Wednesday,” Mr Elligate said.

“I am very pleased with the operation and ecstatic that the turf has taken so quickly.”

Also on hand for the final work was Doug Fleet from Marne Valley Turf whose company grew the turf on a property at Cambrai adjacent to the Marne River.

“It took 40 truckloads by Garden Grove to transport the turf here,” Mr Fleet said.

“We grew a male sterile kikuyu which will provide an excellent racing surface.”

Linda Dunlevey, Events manager for the Gawler and Barossa Jockey Club said building of the new function centre was also progressing well.

“Already we have had enquiries about its availability,” Ms Dunlevey said.

“We are working on the menu at present so hopefully it won’t be too long before we can present a package to everyone.

“The buzz about the building is great and everyone is keen to see an exciting new function centre in the Gawler area.”

The block to house the male and female jockeys’ changerooms along with the steward’s room is also taking shape.

Mr Elligate said the grass for the inner training track was being grown at Anco’s property at Cranbourne in Victoria.

“We will be back in a couple of weeks and it should only take five days to put down.”