Premier

Safety Upgrade For Lakeside Track At Sandown

19 January 2017

Sandown Racecourse has received an $85,000 safety upgrade to its Lakeside track, thanks to funding from the Andrews Labor Government.

The Government has provided more than $42,000 through the Victorian Racing Industry Fund and the Melbourne Racing Club has matched the contribution.

Sandown has two tracks, Lakeside and Hillside, which were rebuilt in December 2013. An independent review of the home turn found that the track was subsiding, triggering safety concerns for horses and riders.

Race meetings scheduled for Lakeside have since been transferred to the Hillside track or other racecourses.

The upgrade involved reinforcing the base of the track and decreasing the sharpness of the home turn. The works have now been completed and racing is set to resume in early February.

The racing industry in metropolitan Melbourne generates more than $1.5 billion for the Victorian economy and helps to sustain more than 13,590 full-time equivalent jobs locally.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Racing Martin Pakula

“The safety of jockeys and horses is paramount and that’s why the Government provided this important infrastructure funding for Sandown.”

“Sandown hosts thoroughbred racing all year round and it’s crucial that both tracks are maintained in peak condition to cater for this busy schedule.”

Quotes attributable to Melbourne Racing Club General Manager Jake Norton

“We are grateful for the Victorian Government’s support, which will ensure that Sandown continues to uphold the crucial role it plays in the racing industry.”

“Sandown hosts 35 race meetings a year, as well as flat and jumps trials and country meeting transfers. This puts pressure on both our tracks, so this work is vital.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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