Australia’s premier racing destination will soon be able to operate rain, hail or shine, with works set to begin on a new, world-class synthetic training track at Flemington Racecourse.
Minister for Racing Martin Pakula today announced that the Andrews Labor Government, through the Victorian Racing Industry Fund, will provide $624,000 towards the $1.56 million first stage of works on the new training track.
Racing Victoria will match the Labor Government’s contribution, while the Victoria Racing Club will provide $312,000 towards the Stage 1 works.
The new synthetic track will replace the existing dirt tracks to provide a sustainable surface for training, trials and jump outs at Flemington all year round.
The initial works involve stripping and removing the existing dirt track, repairing the track base and installing new drainage, concrete plinths, track profile and draining layer.
This first stage of the works is expected to take two months to complete, paving the way for the synthetic track to be laid as part of Stage 2 – which is scheduled for completion later this year.
Since 2014, the Labor Government has provided almost $14.3 million to support 15 infrastructure projects and five race day events at Flemington Racecourse.
The racing industry in Inner Metropolitan Melbourne generates more than $1.9 billion for the Victorian economy annually and helps to sustain more than 13,500 full-time equivalent jobs locally.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Racing Martin Pakula
“Flemington is home to some of the world’s best racehorses and trainers – that’s why we’re investing in even better facilities to make sure the racecourse’s infrastructure continues to match the quality of racing we see on the track.”
“The new, all-weather synthetic track will ensure that Australia’s premier racing destination continues to provide world-class training facilities.”
Quotes attributable to Victoria Racing Club Chief Executive Officer Neil Wilson
“We are grateful for the Victorian Government’s generous support to construct a superior and more sustainable track for horses, jockeys, trainers and racing participants.”
“Approximately 600 horses utilise Flemington’s world-class training facilities every day and this new synthetic track will ensure they can train on a quality surface all year round no matter the weather.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020