Looking through the master plan for the Cranbourne Racecourse are, from left, Casey councillor Geoff Ablett,Opposition Racing Minister Denis Napthine, Cranbourne Turf Club chairman Robin Daley and Cranbourne Turf Club chief executive Neil Bainbridge. 52887Picture: Kim Cartmell
By Bridget Brady
NIGHT racing and an equine centre are part of plans to unlock Cranbourne’s full potential as a world-class racing mecca.
The two projects that would boost Cranbourne further as a premier racing hot-spot were flagged on Monday when state Opposition Racing Minister Denis Napthine visited the Cranbourne Racecourse.
Dr Napthine did not make any funding promises, but said the Liberal Party would work closely with the Cranbourne Turf Club if elected in November.
He said at the moment it looked as if “all the stars are aligning”.
Cranbourne’s training centre is the largest in the southern hemisphere, and Dr Napthine said it made sense to develop an equine centre at a site where a racing hub was already developed.
“We’ve got a great base here in equestrian,” Dr Napthine said.
“Cranbourne is absolutely essential.”
Casey councillor and Liberal Party candidate for Cranbourne Geoff Ablett said his vision was for the Australian Olympic equestrian team to train at Cranbourne.
With the establishment of the projects, Cranbourne Turf Club chief executive Neil Bainbridge said more local jobs would be created and the local racing industry could inject up to $200 million each year into the Casey community.
A master plan is being developed for the Cranbourne complex, and the turf club has applied for a permit with Casey Council to build lights at the racecourse.
Cranbourne already hosts night racing for greyhounds and harness events, and Mr Bainbridge said the introduction of thoroughbred racing under lights would provide wonderful entertainment and exhibit Cranbourne on a world stage, particularly the Asian market.
“The potential is enormous,” Mr Bainbridge said.
Racing Victoria communications manager Shaun Kelly said a response from Casey Council was expected in a few weeks.
If it went ahead, Mr Kelly said night racing would not commence until late 2011 or early 2012.
“There is a bit of water to flow under the bridge,” he said.
Mr Kelly said any introduction to events under lights in Cranbourne would complement the night racing schedule at Moonee Valley.
“They wouldn’t be running in competition with each other.”
Mr Kelly said Cranbourne was an attractive option for night racing because of the large horse population in the south-east.
“Cranbourne is one of our major clubs.”
A State Government spokesman said the government strongly supported Racing Victoria’s plans for the Cranbourne racing a training precinct.
“Night racing is clearly a possibility, but at this stage, the government is awaiting further advice from RVL,” the spokesman said.
