By Bridget Brady
THE stars will shine on Cranbourne next year, with night racing given the green light.
The much talked about proposal was confirmed last week, when Racing Minister Rob Hulls announced, on what he called an “historic day”, that $4.7 million would be committed to install lighting at Cranbourne.
Night-time racing will commence next season and validate Cranbourne as a premier racing venue. Racing at Cranbourne will be beamed around the world, as the time zone enables Cranbourne to enter the Asian market.
About 15 of Cranbourne’s 22 race meets each year will be held at night, mostly on Friday and Saturday nights.
Cranbourne Turf Club chief executive Neil Bainbridge said the announcement was wonderful news for thoroughbred racing at Cranbourne.
“Clearly, it’s an outstanding outcome for the Cranbourne Turf Club,” Mr Bainbridge said.
“We’re really excited about the next phase of the club.”
Cranbourne will become the second venue in Victoria to host night racing, complementing the already established night meets at Moonee Valley.
“You couldn’t see a race track located in a better position, in the heart of a major growth area. It’s very well positioned to allow us to capitalise on wonderful opportunities.”
Cranbourne MP Jude Perera said night racing would also open up employment opportunities in Cranbourne.
In what Mr Bainbridge said would be a first for thoroughbred racing in Australia, the lights at Cranbourne will be dimmed about 60 per cent in between races as a cost and energy saving practice.
Significant investments have been made to racing in Cranbourne during the past two years, receiving between $8 million and $10 million worth of funding.
During his visit to the racecourse last week, Mr Hulls also announced $236,000 to build a new starting chute for the outside grass training track and the training centre.
“Cranbourne is the largest thoroughbred training complex in the southern hemisphere, the workhorse of Victoria’s world-class racing industry, and this funding will boost training facilities for the more than 600 horses that train here on a daily basis,” Mr Hulls said.
Mr Bainbridge said the club had worked hard to develop a comprehensive master plan, and thanked the Labor Government, local member Jude Perera and Country Racing Victoria for their support.
Mr Bainbridge said the next project he would like to see come to fruition was the redevelopment of the grandstand.
Work on installing the lights will begin in December, and are due to be completed about July.
Racing Victoria Limited and Country Racing Victoria are jointly contributing $1.41 million for the lights, and $101,000 for the starting chute.
