Harness racing is expected to be boosted in the region thanks to the $12 million complex which is set to be officially opened on Sunday March 10. 

"Harness racing will be reinvigorated here now we’ve got an improved track," Harness Racing NSW CEO John Dumesny said. 

"It is improved by size so horses can really demonstrate their ability.

"The track is performing to, or even better, than our expectations.

"Race times are quicker."

Generally tracks are 800 metres long but the Riverina Paceway track is more than 1000 metres long and 22 metres wide. 

The width of the track is important as it allows for more room for the newer-style of gig which were getting cramped at the old track at the showgrounds.

The horses are also able to make smoother and safer turns.

"Smaller tracks don’t allow horses to obtain their full ability," Mr Dumesny said. 

"A two-year old will go much better than expected as its spacious and they can make good even turns.

"Horses have also become much faster with improved breeding."

It's that breeding which is also highlighted in the Riverina with many quality horses bred in the region.

"The ​Riverina is now the breeding nursery of harness racing," Mr Dumesny said. 

"We recently ran two races for two-year old that we didn't intend to and they were well supported.

"It's all about giving opportunities to participants and stakeholders."

Mr Dumesny expects the growth generated by the new facility to continue to improve the sport for years to come.

Expressions of interest for the facility started in 2006 so the upgrade has been a long time coming but well worth the wait according.

"It was time well spent producing an outstanding facility which is finally finished," he said.

"What you see here now will only get better.

"It was a shame to do it during drought but also good as it did bed-down well  but the landscaping suffered.

"The surrounds will green up and the lawns will grow and the treeline will grow.

"It was just a green fill site that was just a paddock and now it's an attraction for Wagga.

"Not many tracks are built on an open block with no restraints so it was a fantastic opportunity to do it.

"Ladex did a really good job. They gave us a lot of confidence and we wanted to use a local company."

The location will also allow for easier access for trainers traveling to the track as they don't have to go through the heart of the city which is expected to draw in more trainers.