- Published:
- Thursday 6 October 2016 at 1:08 pm
Minister for Racing Martin Pakula today announced an upgrade of the Dunkeld Racing Club horse stalls to bring them into line with Victorian racing industry standards.
The $21,000 project will help the club to make the area safer for those working in the stalls, as well as reduce the risk of injuries to racehorses.
The Andrews Labor Government is providing more than $10,800 from its Victorian Racing Industry Fund, with a similar contribution from the racing club.
The project will involve dismantling the rails, the removal and re-installation of rubber matting, levelling of the floor and increasing the width of the horse stalls from 1.5 metres to 1.8 metres.
The works are expected to be completed in time for the club’s annual cup race meeting later this year, which regularly attracts up to 10,000 spectators. This year’s Dunkeld Cup meeting will be held on Saturday, 12 November.
The club was recently named a joint winner of the prestigious 2015-16 Country Racing Victoria Club of the Year Award, along with the Pakenham Racing Club.
Dunkeld was recognised for the success of last year’s meeting which resulted in a 20 per cent increase in attendance, a 75 per cent increase in profit on the previous year, and its strengthened relationships with the local community.
The racing industry in the Western District generates more than $100 million for the Victorian economy and helps sustain more than 980 full-time equivalent jobs locally.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Racing Martin Pakula
“This upgrade will create a safer working environment for everyone using the horse stalls area and it will also reduce the risk of injuries to racehorses.”
“We are pleased to be supporting country racing in the western region which attracts visitors from all over the state.”
Quote attributable to Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford
“The Dunkeld Cup is one of the best meets of the Country Spring Racing Carnival and it is fantastic to hear that the new stalls will be installed in time for the event.”
Quotes attributable to Dunkeld Racing Club President Edward Blackwell
“We thank the Victorian Government for its generous contribution to the upgrade of our horse stalls.”
“Our annual raceday attracts thousands of racegoers each year and we encourage locals and visitors alike to come along to enjoy an authentic country racing experience in Western Victoria.”