Minister for Racing Martin Pakula visited the Nordcon LAND Park today to inspect more than $120,000 of works funded by the Andrews Labor Government Victorian Racing Industry Fund (VRIF) grants.
Recent track upgrades have seen the home straight widened as well as surface improvements for racing and training.
Further upgrades also include improved broadcast systems and the installation of an electronic safety gate at the main entrance.
Wodonga & District Turf Club has contributed a further $56,000 towards the works with an additional $45,000 provided by Country Racing Victoria and a $19,000 contribution from the City of Wodonga towards the $244,000 project.
The Labor Government will also provide $39,000 from the Raceday Attraction Program to support the Triple Crown race days starting 17 October - Caulfield Cup Day, Wodonga Gold Cup and the Boxing Day race meeting.
Following the inaugural program in 2014 attracting almost 10,000 people, the club has announced the three events will run again this year:
- Caulfield Cup Day race meeting on Saturday, 17 October, featuring rock legend Daryl Braithwaite, the annual Border Ovarian Cancer Awareness Celebrity Race and free kids entertainment.
- Wodonga Gold Cup Day on Friday, 27 November, with Fashions on the Field and entertainment for all ages.
- Boxing Day race meeting on Saturday, 26 December will have a relaxed family friendly theme, with the deck open to all racegoers and entertainment including a DJ, sumo wrestling and a bucking bull.
Free shuttle buses will run between the Wodonga and Albury town centres throughout the day for each event.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Racing Martin Pakula
“The Triple Crown is a fantastic initiative from the Wodonga Turf Club and is a great showcase for racing in the North-East.”
“Racing is the backbone of regional Victoria and I’m pleased to be able to support the Wodonga Turf Club.”
Quote attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes
“With nearly 10,000 people attending last year, the upgrades to the facilities and the track will mean that racegoers are treated to the best possible day at the races.”
Quotes attributable to Wodonga & District Turf Club General Manager Tom O’Connor
“The funding announcement by the State Government is fantastic for the race club and racecourse precinct.”
“The club has received significant support in the past 18 months. There are some exciting facility developments at the precinct and it’s great to get support from the industry and government.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020