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Major Upgrade At Mornington Racecourse

16 August 2018

The Andrews Labor Government is investing in a major upgrade of the Mornington Racecourse with a new all-weather synthetic training track.

Minister for Racing Martin Pakula today announced that the Labor Government is providing almost $1.38 million from its Victorian Racing Industry Fund towards the $2.75 million project.

The new synthetic track will replace the sand training track and provide long-term benefits for the club and its trainers, with more gallops, jump outs and trials to be conducted on the new surface.

The all-weather surface will allow training to occur all year round and provide a more consistent training surface. The existing track base and drainage will support the new synthetic track, which will be the same dimensions as the old sand track – 1730 metres in length and eight metres wide.

The upgrade will save the club around $15,000 on water each year as the new synthetic surface can be used and maintained with minimal watering.

The works are expected to be completed by September this year and the club will endeavour to minimise the impact on training during the construction.

The Melbourne Racing Club conducts 18 race meetings and 40 jump outs each year at Mornington, with around 86 trainers and 440 horses using the track to train. The current sand training track was installed 12 years ago and is no longer suitable for training.

Racing Victoria is providing $962,500 towards the track upgrade and the Melbourne Racing Club is contributing $412,500.

Since 2014, the Labor Government has provided almost $1.84 million to support six infrastructure projects and five race day events at Mornington Racecourse.

The racing industry in the outer Melbourne region generates more than $375 million for the Victorian economy annually and helps to sustain more than 3720 full-time equivalent jobs in the region.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Racing Martin Pakula

“This new, all-weather synthetic track at Mornington will ensure that trainers have access to top-quality facilities at one of Victoria’s busiest racing and training centres.”

“We’re investing in the racing infrastructure that Victoria needs to boost local jobs and the economy.”

Quote attributable to Member for Frankston Paul Edbrooke

“This major investment is providing better facilities for trainers and locals at one of the region’s best racecourses.”

Quote attributable to Melbourne Racing Club CEO Josh Blanksby

“We’re grateful for the Victorian Government’s generous investment, which will enable us to construct a safer and more sustainable training track.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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