Victoria will host Australasia’s biggest harness racing event tonight at Tabcorp Park in Melton thanks to support from the Andrews Labor Government.
The Labor Government has contributed $335,000 toward a funding package of more than $1.2 million, including more than $150,000 from the Victorian Racing Industry Fund for infrastructure upgrades to improve public amenities, lighting and a backup generator as part of the package.
Tabcorp Park has provided more than $17,000 and Harness Racing Victoria provided more than $140,000 towards the infrastructure upgrades.
The Labor Government is also providing $185,000 to support the prestigious 2018 Inter Dominion, which is back in Victoria after a 10-year hiatus.
The funds are part of a $900,000 package that will support marketing and race-day entertainment with Harness Racing Victoria providing more than $400,000 and Tabcorp Park more than $320,000.
The Inter Dominion kicked off with heats at Tabcorp Park on 1 December, Ballarat on 4 December and Cranbourne on 8 December. The highlight will be the Inter Dominion finals tonight at Tabcorp Park.
Racegoers will enjoy plenty of family-friendly activities including roving entertainers, a jumping castle and other rides. A photographic gallery will display the history of the Inter Dominion since 1936.
Since December 2014, the Labor Government has provided more than $14 million to Harness Racing Victoria and its clubs to improve facilities, increase integrity measures and support racing events across the state.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Racing Martin Pakula
“We’re investing in the 2018 Inter Dominion Series to ensure this event remains the pinnacle of harness racing in Australia.”
“The series will feature Australasia’s best horses, trainers and drivers and showcase the best of Victorian harness racing and our facilities to the world.”
Quote attributable to Member for Melton Stephen McGhie
“Tabcorp Park is the heart of metropolitan harness racing in Victoria and Melton is proud to be holding this event and showcasing our world class facilities.”
Quote attributable to Harness Racing Victoria Chairman Dale Monteith
“We’re thrilled to partner with the Victorian Government to host the return of the Inter Dominion series to Victoria for the first time since 2008.”
Quote attributable to Tabcorp Park General Manager Gayle Harvey
“We’re so excited to host the Inter Dominion – the biggest harness racing series in Australasia – and we’d like to thank the Victorian Government for helping to make this happen.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020