Spotlight on night lights- Lights, cameras, action. The first official trials under lights at the Cranbourne Turf Club took place on Tuesday night. 76935 Picture: Donna Oates

>>> Stars in the night, page105

By David Nagel
SOME of the biggest stars in Australian racing lit up the night sky at Cranbourne on Tuesday as the build up to the opening night of racing on Friday 9 March continues to gain momentum.
Last year’s Cox Plate winner Pinker Pinker and Caulfield Guineas winner Helmet were in action at the first official night trials at the track.
The 2011 Cranbourne News Person of the Year, jockey Craig Williams, was also on hand partnering Pinker Pinker in the third trial of the night over 1000 metres.
It’s been a monumental effort put in by the Cranbourne Turf Club along with Racing Victoria to have the $6.7 million project ready for the night racing launch.
Jointly funded by the Victorian Coalition Government and the racing industry, the project involved the installation of 38 lighting masts plus shading for local residents and traffic travelling down the South Gippsland Highway.
Minister for Racing Denis Napthine said he was looking forward to the commencement of night racing.
“I am very excited to see Cranbourne racing lighting up in 2012. This will give racegoers another premium venue to enjoy the thrill of thoroughbred racing under lights,” Dr Napthine said.
“The new state of the art lighting system utilises the best lamp control and dimming technology to achieve the highest standards required for television broadcasts.
“This has huge benefits for the local racing industry providing further promotion of Cranbourne as a premier regional racing and training hub. “Cranbourne is home to more than 130 thoroughbred trainers and up to 750 horses. Together with Harness and Greyhound racing the industry supports thousands of jobs and makes a significant contribution to the local economy.
“The Victorian Coalition Government is proud to support such a vital industry and exciting sport through our $79.5 million Victorian Racing Industry Fund,” Dr Napthine said.
In addition to the new lighting system, the Victorian Coalition Government has recently provided $918,000 to Cranbourne to build a new state of the art on-course harness training facility expected to be completed later this year.