Upgrades to Stawell Racecourse will boost the track's performance and improve safety for jockeys and horses thanks to funding from the Allan Labor Government.
The racetrack will have its existing topsoil removed, a new drainage system and subsoil installed, and sand banding on the track's outer edges to improve drainage.
The upgrades will significantly improve drainage capacity and ensure the track is even and safe for race meetings and the 11 trainers and 100 horses training at the facilities.
The racetrack will have its existing topsoil removed, a new drainage system and subsoil installed, and sand banding on the track's outer edges to improve drainage.
Heavy rain has previously impacted the track, leading to race meetings being cancelled or moved to other tracks.
Work is expected to be completed later this month to give the track time to settle before racing resumes in December.
The Labor Government is providing $115,000 towards the upgrade courtesy of its Victorian Racing Industry Fund.
Stawell Racing Club is also providing more than $57,000 towards the project, with Racing Victoria matching the contribution.
Since December 2014, the Victorian Government has delivered more than $788,000 to support 13 infrastructure projects and seven thoroughbred racing events at Stawell Racecourse.
The thoroughbred racing industry in the North West region generates $63.2 million for the Victorian economy and helps sustain more than 500 full-time equivalent jobs in the region.
As stated by Minister for Racing Anthony Carbines
"We're proud to invest in the safety and welfare of the jockeys and horses who race and train at Stawell."
"By supporting the improvement of facilities at regional racing clubs, we're helping to ensure the strength and longevity of country racing in Victoria for years to come."
Quote attributable Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora
"Racing is more than just a sport in Western Victoria. Our racecourses are an important hub for the community and provide hundreds of jobs, which is why we will continue to invest in upgrades to infrastructure."
As stated by Stawell Racing Club Chair Ken Duxson
"We are thankful to the government for providing us the necessary funding to ensure our racetrack is the best it can be, no matter the weather."
"We're excited to be back on track in December, just in time for our Christmas race day."
