There won’t be a bad seat in the house at Dowling Forest Racecourse with Minister for Racing, Martin Pakula, and Minister for Regional Development, Jaala Pulford, today unveiling Ballarat Turf Club’s 36-square metre big screen.
Racegoers will be able to catch all local races up close and in high definition regardless of their spot around the racecourse, with the LED big screen also set to stream quality racing vision from across the country.
This is the BTC’s first permanent, in-house screen, giving patrons access to live vision, semaphore race results, times, track ratings and general information at every race meeting – rather than just feature days.
The screen means major savings for the Club, which will no longer shoulder the ongoing costs of hiring a mobile screen for racedays. It will also expand the scope of events hosted at the racecourse, opening up a number of entertainment options, trade expos and community functions.
The total investment in the big screen was $193,200, with the Victorian Government providing $96,600 from the Victorian Racing Industry Fund (VRIF) and the balance funded by the BTC.
The VRIF provides grants to the Victorian racing industry for improvements at racing and training venues, and for projects to stimulate industry growth and development.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Racing, Martin Pakula
“Country racing is the cornerstone of Victoria’s thoroughbred racing industry, providing huge benefits to our state through entertainment, jobs creation and tourism.”
“Victoria’s thoroughbred racing industry generates more than $2.1 billion, and racing in the Central Highlands area alone generates more than $96 million for local businesses.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development and Member for Western Victoria, Jaala Pulford
“The Ballarat Turf Club leads the country racing industry, with the highest number of trainers and horses in training in regional Victoria and more than 2,400 starters in Victorian races during the last racing season.”
“The installation of this new screen will reinforce Ballarat Turf Club’s reputation as one of Australia’s leading provincial tracks.”
Quotes attributable to Ballarat Turf Club Chief Executive, Lachlan McKenzie
“The new big screen is a fantastic development for the Ballarat Turf Club – any racing enthusiast attending the track will be far better informed due to the information we can display on the new screen.”
“The big screen will also have a multitude of uses outside raceday: from movie nights for members through to family days and major sports, it will be a huge drawcard for non-racing events.”
“The Club is grateful for the support of the Victorian Government. We’re fortunate the Government recognises the importance of country racing and continues to assist regional clubs to improve facilities and raceday attractions.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020