Bendigo Jockey Club, trainers and other industry participants are benefitting from improvements on and off the track, thanks to funding from the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Racing Anthony Carbines today inspected the recently completed upgrade to the inside grass track at the Bendigo racecourse. More than $700,000 was approved from the Victorian Racing Industry Fund with matching funding provided by Racing Victoria, Country Racing Victoria and the Bendigo Jockey Club.
Works have been completed on time and under budget with the inside track to be utilised by trainers and other participants in spring of this year.
The project will deliver an improved inside track surface for training and jump outs, improving safety and welfare.
It also gives the club the opportunity to host additional trials and jump outs without having an impact on the course proper surface. This extra capacity will help boost the club's revenues by attracting more trainers to the racecourse.
Upgrades to the inside grass track also included the relocation of the ambulance track, and improvements to water capture and water usage.
Since December 2014, the Labor Government have approved more than $2.5 million to support thoroughbred racing at Bendigo racecourse.
The thoroughbred racing industry in regional Victoria generates more than $710 million for the Victorian economy and helps sustain over 5,500 jobs.
As stated by Minister for Racing Anthony Carbines
"Racing provides significant economic benefit and employment in regional areas and that's why we join with local clubs, Racing Victoria and Country Racing Victoria to make important investments like this."
"Bendigo Jockey Club prides itself on putting on a great day for punters, and this investment will enable the club to guarantee a top racing surface all year round."
As stated by Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan
"We're investing in the Bendigo Jockey Club to ensure it continues to be a destination of choice for trainers and connections, bringing more local jobs to the Bendigo region."
"We're backing upgrades at Bendigo Jockey Club because we know how important it is to support clubs that bring racing fans to the region every year to watch all the action on the track."
As stated by Bendigo Jockey Club Chair Jack Lyons
