Thoroughbred racing at Wodonga will get a $271,000 boost for key race day attractions and infrastructure projects thanks to a joint funding package supported by the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Racing Martin Pakula announced the funding at today’s Wodonga Gold Cup which is one of three events in the Wodonga & District Turf Club’s Spring into Summer Festival of Racing.
The Labor Government is providing more than $118,000 towards the festival, a new horse ambulance and upgrades to the owners’ room facilities at the club. The funding will also support an economic impact study of the benefits of a local public holiday for the Cup race meeting.
Racing Victoria and Country Racing Victoria are jointly providing more than $40,000 for the festival and infrastructure improvements, while the club is contributing almost $113,000 towards the festival, the owners’ room upgrade and the economic impact study.
The Wodonga Gold Cup features a range of entertainment including trackside stilt-walkers, bubble soccer, face painting and jumping castles. The event will conclude with a 90-minute show by eight-time ARIA Award-winners Eskimo Joe.
Horse owners at the Cup are also enjoying the newly upgraded owners’ room facilities, including new furniture, a new coffee machine and a 75-inch television. The new horse ambulance will also ensure that any horse injuries can be immediately tended to as part of ongoing measures to improve animal welfare.
The Spring into Summer Festival of Racing is a three-race meeting event, which includes the Wodonga Caulfield Cup Day in October, the Wodonga Gold Cup, and the Boxing Day race meeting in December.
Since 2014, the Labor Government has provided more than $321,000 to support seven infrastructure projects and three race day attraction initiatives at Wodonga.
The racing industry in the Ovens-Murray region generates more than $39 million for the Victorian economy annually and helps sustain more than 380 full-time equivalent jobs.
Quote attributable to Minister for Racing Martin Pakula
“The Wodonga Gold Cup is a highlight on the Victorian racing calendar. It injects millions into the economy, creates local jobs and attracts thousands of racegoers to the track each year.”
Quote attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes
“We’re proud to support the festival because it supports local businesses and draws interstate and international visitors. The upgrades will ensure that Wodonga remains one of the top country racing venues in the state.”
Quote attributable to Wodonga & District Turf Club General Manager Tom O’Connor
“We thank the Victorian Government for its ongoing support of the club and our Spring into Summer Festival of Racing.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020