Geelong Racing Club is set for a major boost with the Andrews Labor Government backing the development of an inside grass track.
Minister for Racing Anthony Carbines today announced the Labor Governmentis investing more than $730,000 for the project through the Victorian Racing Industry Fund.
The existing fibre sand track will be replaced with a new 10 metre wide inside grass training track with plastic running rails. A narrower fibre sand track will also be installed between the inside grass track and the course proper.
Since 2019 the Labor Government has invested more than $1.98 million in projects for the club including $662,000 for 40 new recently completed stables, attracting the likes of Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Danny O'Brien.
The stables are expected to boost the Club's revenue from stabling and training fees, and the solar panels installed on the roofs of the two stable barns will reduce the Club's power bills.
Other investments include a $400,000 super screen to ensure racegoers don't miss a thing, new training and starting gates to improve animal and jockey welfare, upgraded jockey rooms, sand track irrigation, upgrades to the raceday stables, and car park upgrades to improve safety when loading and unloading horse floats.
These investments help the racing industry in the Geelong region generate more than $130 million each year for the Victorian economy and sustain more than 1,000 jobs.
As stated by Minister for Racing Anthony Carbines
"Geelong is an important training centre for the thoroughbred industry and this funding will ensure it has the facilities it needs to attract more investment into the state's second largest city."
As stated by Member for Geelong Christine Couzens
"The Geelong Cup was a great success welcoming back crowds for the first time since 2019, and this funding for the inside track is another boon for the Club."
As stated by Member for Lara John Eren
"Investments in safe and modern infrastructure help ensure animal welfare, while also attracting more trainers to Geelong."
As stated by Member for South Barwon Darren Cheeseman
"This upgrade will provide more options for training horses and the new surface will enhance horse and rider welfare"
As stated by Geelong Racing Club President Peter Murrihy
"We're rapt the Victorian Government is further supporting our Club's development. Better utilising the area inside the track will really boost our facilities and ability to attract trainers."
