Premier

Flemington Racecourse In Top Shape For Cup Carnival

29 October 2018

The Andrews Labor Government is ensuring Flemington Racecourse remains one of the world’s best racecourses with upgrades to the horse stalls and parade ring.

Minister for Racing Martin Pakula was at Flemington today to announce the Labor Government is investing $150,000 from the Victorian Racing Industry Fund for the upgrades, as part of a $525,000 joint funding package.

New balustrades along the northern bank of the horse stalls will allow for pedestrian access from level one of the venue’s new Club Stand, which will be officially opened on Thursday.

The upgrades will allow for greater accessibility for patrons to move around the Flemington racing precinct and provide a new vantage point for racegoers to view the parade ring year-round.

The funding will also support repairs to the horse stalls to improve safety for industry participants and horses.

These upgrades were completed in time for this year’s Melbourne Cup Carnival and were also supported through a contribution of almost $375,000 from Victoria Racing Club.

Since 2014, the Labor Government has contributed more than $13.6 million to support 14 infrastructure projects and five racing events at Flemington.

The racing industry in metropolitan Melbourne generates more than $1.5 billion for the Victorian economy annually and helps sustain more than 13,590 full-time equivalent jobs locally.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Racing Martin Pakula

“The Government is investing in these important upgrades to ensure Flemington Racecourse remains one of the world’s best racecourses for trainers, jockeys and participants, as well as racegoers.”

“This is about maintaining Victoria’s status as the premier racing state, ensuring jobs and investment remain right here in Victoria and continue to grow.”

Quote attributable to Member for Essendon Danny Pearson

“The upgrades have been completed just in time for the Melbourne Cup Carnival, which attracts tens of thousands of visitors from around the country and overseas.”

Quotes attributable to Victoria Racing Club Chief Executive Officer Neil Wilson

“The Victoria Racing Club thanks the Victorian Government for their support of the horse stalls roof and parade ring improvement project.”

“This investment helps maintain Victoria’s world-class position in racing and improves the safety of racing industry participants, both equine and human, at Flemington.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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