Premier

Major Facilities Upgrade For Geelong Racing Club

19 October 2016

The Andrews Labor Government has thrown its support behind a major makeover for the Geelong Racing Club with a $350,000 funding boost courtesy of its Victorian Racing Industry Fund.

Minister for Racing Martin Pakula today attended the Geelong Cup to announce the funding, with $200,000 to upgrade the club’s public areas and an additional $150,000 to upgrade the training facilities.

Up to 30 jobs will be created throughout the training facilities upgrade. The majority of the work is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

The funding is part of a $700,000 makeover of the club which includes upgrading two of the public rooms located in the grandstand, known as the Flying Scud Bar and the Dual Choice Room.

The upgraded Flying Scud Bar, named after the first horse to win the cup 134 years ago, will be used for the first time at this year’s cup meeting. The upgrade of the Dual Choice Room will be completed by the end of the year.

The upgrades to the training facilities will include demolishing and replacing 15 tie-stalls, and refurbishing another 37 stalls – providing a safer and more functional training environment for the trainers and 100 horses who use it each morning.

The club is contributing $150,000 towards the upgrades, and Geelong-based retailer the Cotton On Group is also providing $100,000 funding towards the renovation of the public facilities. Racing Victoria and Country Racing Victoria are jointly providing a further $100,000 towards the upgrade of the training amenities.

The Government is also providing an additional $88,000 to support the Geelong Cup through its Raceday Attraction Program. The club is contributing $90,000 towards the event, with Country Racing Victoria giving $10,500.

The racing industry in the Barwon region generates more than $106 million annually for the Victorian economy and helps sustain more than 1050 full-time equivalent jobs locally.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Racing Martin Pakula

“We are proud to be supporting the Geelong Racing Club. These upgrades will create a safer training environment for horses and trainers, and provide better facilities for racegoers to enjoy.”

“The Geelong Cup is a premier country racing event on the Spring Racing calendar and it attracts thousands of people to the region each year.”

Quote attributable to Member for Geelong Christine Couzens

“The upgrade funding is great news for jobs in Geelong. It will also allow the Geelong Racing Club to remain a racing destination and tourist attraction in Victoria.”

Quote attributable to Geelong Racing Club President James Wilson

“We would like to thank the Victorian Government for its generous funding, which will enable us to attract and retain trainers and provide enhanced facilities for our patrons, as well as promoting our exciting cup day meeting.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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