The Andrews Labor Government is ensuring Kyneton has the best possible racecourse facilities by investing in a new and improved sand track, allowing trainers and racegoers to return to the track.
Minister for Racing Anthony Carbines today visted the Kyneton and Hanging Rock Racing Club to announce the Labor Goverment's Victorian Racing Industry Fund (VRIF) is investing more than $472,000 for upgrades.
The Club is investing almost $189,000 and Racing Victoria is contributing more than $283,000 towards the project.
It will replace the base and sand training track at Kyneton, which includes the installation of new irrigation and plastic running rails.
The project will also improve track safety for the horses and partipants, and will create better track drainage and opportunities for extended use throughout winter.
Works are expected to be completed by March 2023, with the project creating 15 new jobs during the construction phase.
The project will fully restore the race track after it sustained significant damage during the floods in October last year, forcing trainers to travel to Ballarat and Kilmore to use their training facilities.
More than $200,000 has been invested by the Government to support the club complete remedial works to the jog track which was also damaged during the October floods.
The club plays a vital role in the industry, holding 13 race meetings and 10 trial meetings annually with approximately 40 trainers and 200 horses usually training at the venue.
Since 2014, the Labor Government has provided almost $1.5 million to support 14 infrastructure projects at the Kyneton racecourse through the VRIF.
As stated by Minister for Racing Anthony Carbines
"We're ensuring our Victorian trainers and horses have access to the best facilities, and a new sand track for Kyneton racecourse means improved track safety for all participants."
As stated by Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas
"The Kyneton and Hanging Rock Racing Club has been an integral part of the local community, and these upgrades will help it have a long and prosperous future."
As stated by Kyneton and Hanging Rock Racing Club President Greg Janky
"We thank the Victorian Government for its significant investment to upgrade the Kyneton racecourse."
"It is heartening to know the track will be replaced and upgraded, particularly after sustaining such severe flood damage last year- we very much look forward to welcoming trainers and horses back to the facility."
