Cranbourne Training Centre (CTC) race day tie-up stalls and sand training track will be upgraded, made possible through part funding from Harness Racing Victoria (HRV). HRV Chairman Dale Monteith visited the venue on Wednesday with Minister for Racing Anthony Carbines, to make the announcement.
In total the race day tie-up stalls will benefit from $1.13 million investment, which includes $283,000 being invested equally from HRV, the State Government, Cranbourne Turf Club (CTC), Racing Victoria, and the Cranbourne Harness Racing Club (CHRC).
No longer fit for purpose, the existing aged stalls will be replaced with new stall enclosures, boasting higher roofs, wider pathways and a weatherproof canopy providing improved animal welfare.
HRV Chairman Dale Monteith said:
“Animal and participant welfare is a top priority for HRV and the new race day tie up stalls will have benefits for years to come. We welcome this investment partnership with the State Government and other industry stakeholders to improve our important racing facilities, and support year-round use of the track at Cranbourne”
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 stalls will be built with upgraded draining systems to ensure efficient disposal of horse waste and reduce cleaning and maintenance costs.
More than $1.2 million will also be invested into upgrading the sand training track, which includes $639,000 from the State Government, and $320,000 each from the Cranbourne Turf Club and Racing Victoria.
The upgrade will see the existing sand track replaced with a durable all-weather synthetic track, ensuring a safer 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.
Minister for Racing Anthony Carbines said:
“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.”
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.
Works are expected to be completed by the middle of the year.
