Here are some basic race construction principles to follow.
- Remove all grass and topsoil
- Construct a sound base with strong foundation material
- Provide adequate compaction
- Provide a suitable walking surface
- Crown the race
- Construct an efficient drainage system
- Fence cows out of the drain but ensure access for cleaning
- Include a maintenance programme in the budget


Track surfacing and formation. Ensure the camber is between 3-8%, and that the paddock side is fenced off if there are drains beside the track.
A good track is constructed in layers. A foundation, or base layer, is formed with a surface, or wearing layer, placed on top.
The base layer provides the structural support for the surface layer – if it is weak the surface layer may break up and collapse. If water can penetrate into the base layer it may lose its strength resulting in potholes.
The surface layer has two functions: to provide a comfortable surface for cows to walk on and to shed water to protect the structural integrity of the track.
Each layer should be thoroughly mechanically compacted using vibrating rollers. Loose, open layers have much less strength than well-consolidated ones. Cow traffic does not provide an adequate substitute for mechanical compaction.
Foundation (base) layer
Topsoil and grass are not suitable for use in the base layer and should be removed before beginning construction.
The base should be made up of layers, each up to 150 mm deep. After each 150mm layer is laid, it should be firmly compacted before the next is added.
Surface layer
The creation of a satisfactory track surface requires compaction into a hard, smooth, wear resistant layer, with a minimum of particles that can cut or bruise feet.
- It should be 100 – 150 mm thick. Topsoil and grass provide a soft cushioned surface for cows to walk on but are unable to withstand the rigours of frequent use.
- The surface layer is usually made from a mixture of fine materials – often sand, pumice, limestone, sandstone, woodchips, small stones and clay.
To check if a material is appropriate for a top surface, a small sample rock should shatter under the heel of your gumboot when ground against a concrete surface. Trialling small loads of proposed materials will show which are going to work and which are not.
Concrete tracks can be useful in areas of high rainfall as they provide a clean track and reduce mud on udders. However they do require management at the boundary between the concrete and paddocks. A section of lime fines at the intersection can help stones fall off before they get on to the concrete.
A track on a steep slope can mean water runs down the lane before running off the side – resulting in long water scours in the surface layer. Ideally, design tracks to minimise slope, even if it adds distance it will be worthwhile as maintenance issues will be reduced.