- Published:
- Saturday 18 April 2015
Minister for Racing Martin Pakula today officially unveiled the new 320 square metre super-screen at Caulfield Racecourse – the biggest of its kind at any sporting venue in Australia.
Measuring almost 39 metres – more than 50 per cent wider than the two screens at the Melbourne Cricket Ground – the new $3.65 million super-screen will significantly enhance the race day experience at the Melbourne Racing Club.
Today’s launch coincided with the inaugural Victorian Owners and Breeders Raceday, showcasing the wealth of thoroughbred talent in Victoria with four races in the VOBIS Gold Premier Race Series.
Mounted on a fully engineered structure behind the inside rail of the home straight opposite the public viewing area, the super-screen will also be used for trade expos and community events hosted at Caulfield every year.
The Andrews Labor Government was pleased to support the super-screen with $850,000 in funding from the Victorian Racing Industry Fund. The Melbourne Racing Club funded $2.7 million of the total cost, and Racing Victoria also contributed a further $100,000.
The Victorian Racing Industry Fund provides funding to the Victorian racing industry for improvements at racing and training venues and for projects to stimulate industry growth and development.
The new high definition screen is the latest in a number of ongoing improvements at Caulfield, which have also included a major track renovation and an upgrade of the Medallion Bar and Connections Owners area.
Victoria’s thoroughbred racing industry provides an economic benefit of $2.1 billion to communities across the state and has more than 90,000 people participating in the industry.
Thoroughbred breeding in Victoria injects a further $163 million into the state’s economy, with more than 5,500 people directly involved either as a breeder or employee.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Racing, Martin Pakula
“Racegoers won’t miss a moment of action on or off the track with Caulfield’s new high definition super-screen, which is the biggest of its kind in Australia.”
“The Andrews Labor Government was pleased to support this addition to Caulfield – which will ensure the Melbourne Racing Club maintains its position as one of the top racing venues in Australia.”
Quotes attributable to Chief Executive of the Melbourne Racing Club, Brodie Arnhold
“As a club we’re committed to delivering a world class entertainment experience and this new super-screen will allow us to offer a unique and improved viewing experience for all our customers.”
“Our customers will be able to feel closer to the racing action while staying up to date with international sporting events, which can be shown on the other half of the screen.”