The Andrews Labor Government is ensuring the Cranbourne Training Centre (CTC) and the Racecourse have the best possible facilities with an upgrade to its sand training track and the race day tie-up stalls.
Minister for Racing Anthony Carbines visited the CTC today to announce more than $1.7 million from the government’s Victorian Racing Industry Fund (VRIF) will go towards the upgrades.
“We’re backing these upgrades to help ensure training infrastructure at our key centres remains the best in the country, supporting the thoroughbred racing industry to create a strong and viable future,” Mr Carbines said.
The $1.28 million investment into upgrading the sand training track includes $639,000 from the government as well as $320,000 each from the Cranbourne Turf Club and Racing Victoria.
“Cranbourne is the biggest training centre in Victoria and our investment not only supports the racing industry by driving participation in Melbourne’s east, but also creates local jobs,” Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards said.
The upgrade will see the existing sand track replaced with a durable all-weather synthetic track, ensuring a safer and more consistent surface to enable horses to get a steady footing in all weather conditions, year-round. It will also improve the consistency and profile of the track.
Existing steel running rails will be replaced with plastic rails, which can better withstand and absorb the impact of horses bumping into the rail, improving the safety of horse and rider and reducing the likelihood of serious incidents or injuries occurring.
CEO of the Cranbourne Turf Club Neil Bainbridge says the upgrade will be “of significant benefit to thoroughbred trainers, ensuring year-round use of the track and enhancing animal and participant welfare.”
The government is also investing more than $1.13 million to upgrade the race day tie-up stalls, with the Cranbourne Turf Club (CTC), Racing Victoria, Harness Racing Victoria, and the Cranbourne Harness Racing Club (CHRC) each contributing more than $283,000 to the project.
“We know this upgrade will be of significant benefit to ensure the continued safety of our patrons, trainers and horses, harness and thoroughbred, for years to come,” said president of the Cranbourne Harness Racing Club David Scott.
The existing aged stalls are no longer fit for purpose and will be replaced with new stall enclosures, boasting higher roofs, wider pathways and a weatherproof canopy providing improved animal welfare.
The project will also deliver a new parade ring, plastic rails, fencing and pathways to ensure safe separation between horses and patrons, as well as the installation of new lighting to ensure safer conditions for all participants.
The new tie-up stalls will be built with upgraded draining systems to ensure efficient disposal of horse waste and reduce cleaning and maintenance costs.
Trainers and race day staff will also benefit from upgrades to the existing amenity blocks, including new areas for the consumption of food and beverages.
The upgrades will benefit the local economy by creating fifty new jobs during the construction phase, with work on both projects expected to be complete by the middle of the year.
The CTC plays a vital role in thoroughbred racing in Victoria, holding up to 73 official trials and club jump-outs annually with up to 160 trainers and 1,200 horses training at the venue.
Since 2014, the government has provided more than $3.9 million to support racing events and infrastructure projects at the Cranbourne Racecourse and Training Centre through the VRIF.
