Illawarra Grange is set to host its inaugural race meeting on Tuesday, marking the debut of Australia's newest racetrack. The facility, built at a cost exceeding $8 million, features a 22-meter-wide track with a circumference of 1,980 meters and a 410-meter home straight. Designed with a 4 percent camber and advanced drainage systems, the venue aims to minimize race cancellations due to wet weather.

Among the key figures vying to become the first winning trainer and jockey at Illawarra Grange are Edward Cummings and Jay Ford. They will partner with Demmo Dermy, a well-bred chestnut gelding, in the opening race, the Wests Illawarra Your Next Stop Maiden Plate over 1,450 meters. Demmo Dermy drew barrier one for the second consecutive start, a position they hope will be advantageous.

Demmo Dermy is a son of Yes Yes Yes, notable for winning The Everest and holding the Randwick 1,200-meter course record. The horse ran competitively in a 1,600-meter Super Maiden event at Hawkesbury on April 8 but was passed late in the race. Trainer Edward Cummings indicated the horse showed promise but needed further conditioning to succeed over middle distances. After a freshening period, Cummings reported Demmo Dermy is now in strong form and well-prepared for the race conditions.

Cummings acquired Demmo Dermy for $160,000 at the Inglis Premier Yearling Sale. Bred by Kate Nivison, the gelding comes from a distinguished lineage that traces back to multiple Group 1 winner Tie The Knot, who won 13 Group 1 races. Cummings noted that Demmo Dermy physically resembles Tie The Knot, describing him as a big, strong individual with a promising pedigree.

In addition to Demmo Dermy, Cummings is bringing stablemate King Straand to Illawarra Grange for the meeting. King Straand recently competed at the Steel City meeting last Wednesday. Cummings acknowledged challenges in managing King Straand’s conditioning, noting the horse tends to gain weight when not actively racing and that efforts to find the right race preparation have been ongoing. He emphasized the need for horses to compete regularly to show their true potential.

Tuesday’s meeting will mark the first time Illawarra Grange hosts competitive racing, and eyes will be on whether Cummings and Ford can secure the first win at the new venue with Demmo Dermy.