Boost for Tricodes race

By Bridget Cook
MINISTER for Racing Denis Napthine officially opened the new $3.1 million Pro-Ride synthetic surfaced training track at Cranbourne Turf Club on Monday.
Dr Napthine also helped promote the triple treat for racegoers, giving a big tick to the club’s Tricodes race meeting this Sunday.
Dr Napthine said he was pleased to open the new 1900 metre synthetic track at the Cranbourne Training Complex, giving a massive boost to what is already the largest thoroughbred training complex in the southern hemisphere.
“The synthetic track is designed to better endure the great volume of training delivered at the Cranbourne Training Complex, which produces more than 7000 race starters each year,” he said.
“The low maintenance costs, improved safety risks to the rider and horse due to a consistent sub-surface and the minimal irrigation needs will be welcome attributes of the new track as well as its feature as an all weather surface.
“Accessed by 130 trainers with up to 750 horses in training each day, the Cranbourne Training Complex is critical to Victoria’s racing industry.”
Cranbourne will host the 10th annual City of Casey Tricodes Race Day on Sunday 27 March, which will include 24 races across all three racing codes.
Gates open at 10.30am and the first race will begin at 11.35am and will feature nine thoroughbred races, eight greyhound races and seven harness races.
Races will be run every 15 minutes throughout the day.
Dr Napthine encouraged everyone to turn up and enjoy the day of racing and family fun.
“Sunday is a great family day with 24 races across the three codes as well as entertainment and activities for the kids including free rides,” Dr Napthine said.
“As we approach the 10th year of this meeting, the day has grown even bigger with the inclusion of the $80,000 NMIT Yarra Valley Cup which has been transferred from the Yarra Valley course due to flood damage.”