Kyneton racecourse is set to receive an investment of $472,000 from the state government for a new and improved sand track, allowing trainers and racegoers to return to the track.
Racing Minister Anthony Carbines visited the Kyneton and Hanging Rock Racing Club on Friday, February 24 to announce the Victorian Racing Industry Fund (VRIF) investment, made up of almost $189,000 invested by the club, more than $283,000 contributed by Racing Victoria.
“We’re ensuring our Victorian trainers and horses have access to the best facilities, and a new sand track for Kyneton racecourse means improved track safety for all participants,” he said.
Upgrades will replace the base and sand training track at Kyneton, which includes the installation of new irrigation and plastic running rails.
The project will also improve track safety for the horses and participants, and will create better track drainage and opportunities for extended use throughout winter.
Works are expected to be completed in the next six weeks.
The project will fully restore the race track after it sustained significant damage during the floods in October last year, forcing trainers to travel to Ballarat and Kilmore to use their training facilities.
More than $200,000 has been invested by the government to support the club complete remedial works to the jog track which was also damaged during the October floods.
Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said The Kyneton and Hanging Rock Racing Club has been an “integral part of the local community”.
“These upgrades will help it have a long and prosperous future,” she said.
Kyneton and Hanging Rock Racing Club president Greg Janky thanked the state government for its “significant investment”.
“It is heartening to know the track will be replaced and upgraded, particularly after sustaining such severe flood damage last year- we very much look forward to welcoming trainers and horses back to the facility,” he said.
The club plays a vital role in the industry, holding 13 race meetings and 10 trial meetings annually with approximately 40 trainers and 200 horses usually training at the venue.
Since 2014, thegovernment has provided almost $1.5 million to support 14 infrastructure projects at the Kyneton racecourse through the VRIF.
