A $1.37 million upgrade of the Ballarat Turf Club stalls and workshop will boost safety and improve public access to the popular Dowling Forest racecourse.
The Andrews Labor Government, Racing Victoria and the club are funding projects to overhaul the 70-year-old raceday stalls and workshop precinct.
In addition, the upgrades will also include a new exercise yard and ticket box, a new veterinary block and upgraded security, including CCTV and improved lighting.
A new automatic watering system for the public lawns, which currently requires more than 500 hours of labour each year will be replaced. The new system will reduce evaporation and electricity use while saving the club around $12,500 per year.
The government has contributed more than $687,000 from the Victorian Racing Industry Fund (VRIF) for the upgrades, with the club and Racing Victoria each providing more than $340,000.
A further $55,000 of Raceday Attraction Program funding has been provided towards the Ballarat Cup event. The program features a dedicated family precinct including an animal farm, pony rides and water slide. Adults will be entertained with live music and a great 10 race program including local jockey and Melbourne Cup winner Michelle Payne.
The Ballarat Cup is the last race meeting of the Spring Racing Carnival and is expected to attract a record crowd of 12,000 people.
Quotes attributable to Racing Minister Martin Pakula
“These upgrades will provide Ballarat Turf Club with modern state-of-the-art facilities that will improve safety, security and public access to the track on racedays.”
“The Ballarat Cup is a fantastic event for both the industry and the local community and we’re proud to support these upgrades to ensure this continues well into the future.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Wendouree Sharon Knight
"Ballarat Cup is the last race of the Spring Racing Carnival and I’m proud it is such a premier event on the Victorian racing calendar."
Quotes attributable to Ballarat Turf Club CEO Lachlan McKenzie
“We are extremely grateful to the Andrews Government for this funding, which will enable us to construct state-of-the-art stalls and improve our work precinct and grounds."
Reviewed 10 February 2021