On track to be top spot for events

Art of racing: An artist’s impressions of the changes being made at Mornington Racecourse with $2 million from the state government and $3m of the club’s own money.

MORNINGTON Racing Club has been given more than $2 million of state government money towards a $5m renovation of its grandstand.

Once the refurbishment is finished, the club will have the “largest events centre on the peninsula”, according to Racing Minister Martin Pakula.

The work includes renovating the grandstand’s ground floor “creating a new range of quality spaces for the race going public and club members on racedays”, Melbourne Racing Club CEO Brodie Arnhold said.

Work is planned to be finished in time for the William Hill Peninsula Cup Day on 1 November.

Mr Arnold said the “new spaces” would offer “luxury options” for non-raceday events, “positioning Mornington Racecourse as the new premium event destination on the Mornington Peninsula”.

“In 2010 when we merged with Mornington Racing Club we made a commitment to invest in upgrading the facilities and it’s great to see these plans come to fruition with the support of the industry,” Mr Arnold said.

“At Mornington Racecourse we strive to maintain our place as the best country track in Victoria and grow as a key peninsula tourist attraction.”

The Racing Minister Martin Pakula said racing at Mornington provided a “spectacular day out”.

“This $5 million refurbishment will make Mornington Racecourse the largest events centre on the peninsula, attracting even bigger crowds to its many race days throughout the season and providing the local community with an outstanding venue,” Mr Pakula said.

First published in the Mornington News – 25 August 2015