Top of the turf ladder

By Bridget Cook
THE Cranbourne Turf Club has topped off one of its most successful seasons on record, being named Victoria’s premier country racing facility from the field of finalists.
The Cranbourne club was this week named the Centrebet Victorian Country Club of the Year at the Centrebet Country Victorian Racing Awards held at The Sebel Albert Park on Saturday night.
The Cranbourne Turf Club edged out fellow finalists The Echuca Racing Club, The Pakenham Racing Club and The Swan Hill Jockey Club to win the prestigious accolade.
Cranbourne Turf Club chief executive Neil Bainbridge said the club was delighted to win the prestigious award after a long season of hard work.
“It’s great recognition for the committee who volunteer their time and the staff who put in so much hard work,” he said. “We could not have achieved such an honour without the wonderful team. And with Cranbourne trainer Mick Kent also taking out the Victorian Country Racehorse of the Year award with Red Buttons, it’s a great quinella for Cranbourne.”
The Cranbourne Turf Club enjoyed one of its most successful seasons on record and was able to grow in a number of key areas including sponsorship sales, package sales, attendances and admission income.
“This award not only recognises the great year we have had, but also the previous three to four, which have placed the club in a strong position,” he said.
“This year has not only delivered outstanding results, but importantly it has laid a solid foundation for future growth that will be highlighted by the introduction of night racing at Cranbourne early in the new year.
“As a team, we have worked hard to deliver an outstanding financial result, but more importantly we have worked hard to create a ‘great day out’ experience for all patrons that attend our race meetings.”
“We’ve had an excellent year financially and secured a number of really good projects.”
Mr Bainbridge said the fact that Country Racing Victoria had entrusted the Turf Club to manage the biggest horse training facility on the southern hemisphere – the Cranbourne Training Complex – was a credit to the committee and staff.
Country Racing Victoria chief executive Scott Whiteman congratulated the Cranbourne Turf Club on winning this year’s award.
“Once again country racing in Victoria had an extremely successful season, crowds are continuing to grow at our feature events all over the state and more and more people are discovering the great day out experience,” Mr Whiteman said.
“It is a credit to the club management and committee that the Cranbourne Turf Club has become a benchmark of country racing clubs in Victoria.