Premier

Funding Boost For Horsham Racing Centre

03 August 2017

The Horsham Racing Centre is on track to benefit from $160,000 in infrastructure upgrades thanks to support from the Andrews Labor Government.

Minister for Racing Martin Pakula today visited the centre – home to both the Horsham and District Racing Club (HDRC) and Horsham Harness Racing Club (HHRC) – to announce funding for new starting gates, new televisions and the installation of new head-on cameras.

A new 14-stall transportable starting gate was delivered to the HDRC this week and will be shared between nine local racing clubs that form the Wimmera Racing Club (WRC). In addition, a six-stall mobile practice starting gate will arrive later this year, with full padding on each gate and overhead pull up bars for riders.

Four new televisions were recently installed in the race caller’s box, which will improve the broadcast for patrons at both thoroughbred and harness race meetings.

The upgrade also includes new head-on cameras, which will be installed later this year and assist harness racing stewards when deliberating on race protests and driver suspensions.

The Labor Government has provided more than $80,000 for the four projects through the Victorian Racing Industry Fund. Racing Victoria is contributing $51,000 and Harness Racing Victoria is providing $5000. HDRC also contributed $6600 for the new practice gates, and the WRC is giving $15,600 for the transportable starting gates.

Since 2014, the Labor Government has provided almost $400,000 to support key infrastructure projects and race day attractions at the Horsham Racing Centre. The racing industry in Wimmera generates more than $37 million annually for the Victorian economy and helps sustain more than 360 full-time equivalent jobs in the region.

Quote attributable to Minister for Racing Martin Pakula

“These infrastructure upgrades will help to ensure training and race days at Horsham run smoothly and safely.”

Quote attributable to Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford

“We’re proud to be supporting the Horsham Racing Centre because it boosts the economy and creates local jobs.”

Quote attributable to Horsham and District Racing Club Manager Lisa Inkster

“The club is grateful for the support we’ve received from the Victorian Government for these upgrades.”

Quote attributable to Wimmera Racing Club Chairman Damian Drum

“We’re thrilled to have another set of starting gates to share among our nine local clubs.”

Quote attributable to Horsham Harness Racing Club President Justin Lane

“The head-on cameras will give stewards extra confidence when making difficult decisions and enhance integrity.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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