- Published:
- Wednesday 1 July 2015 at 4:51 pm
Minister for Racing Martin Pakula has announced the start of construction on significant upgrades to the Cranbourne racecourse’s training facilities.
The Victorian Racing Industry Fund (VRIF) has provided $1 million towards the new $4.9 million on-course thoroughbred stabling at Cranbourne.
Upgrades will include new stable sites with separate tie-up stalls and a mezzanine floor with a viewing balcony overlooking the training tracks. Upgrades also include two 10-horse walkers at each site along with tack rooms, sand rolls, feed stores, medical and bathroom facilities.
The Andrews Labor Government is also investing more than $26,000 under the VRIF to expand the state of the art Cranbourne Harness Racing Training as its popularity pushes it to capacity.
The funding will support the construction of four new stables to accommodate six horses and two new trainers and improved drainage to prevent flooding. Animal welfare will also be improved with the addition of five small day paddocks for post-race recuperation and a hot water wash area to reduce exposure to the cold during the colder months.
These works will add to the outstanding facilities at the $1.5 million complex, which opened in 2012 and is the first of its kind in Victoria. The complex already boasts a horse walking machine, an equine swimming pool and a communal work shed.
Victoria is the proud leader of Australian racing, generating more than $2.8 billion in economic activity and supporting more than 26,500 full time jobs.
The VRIF returns unclaimed wagering dividends and on-course wagering taxes back to the three racing codes, supporting jobs, improving animal and participant safety, increasing integrity measures and boosting the racing experience for racegoers.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Racing, Martin Pakula
“Demand for on-course stabling is high at Cranbourne Turf Club with around 800 horses using the complex each day but with only 462 tie stalls on-site, trainers are required to share stalls.”
“The Cranbourne harness training complex offers a unique experience, as hobby trainers and professional trainers can work side-by-side and can walk their horses to the track, eliminating extra transportation costs.”
Quotes attributable to, Member for Cranbourne, Jude Perera MP
“The centre will host up to 54 horses and 12 trainers and will be a significant boost for the racing industry in the region, which already generates more $375 million and supports more than 3,700 jobs in outer Melbourne.”