MORNINGTON Racecourse is getting a facelift thanks to a financial partnership to add a new sand track, veterinary room with swab boxes and upgraded track lighting.
The state government has committed $478,000 towards the works, with Racing Victoria contributing $373,645, and Melbourne Racing Club $104,800.
The work is expected to improve safety for veterinary staff, trainers and horses, and will help meet the growing demand and better support training activities.
Eastern Victoria MP Tom McIntosh said the sand track will create 10 new local jobs during construction and help Melbourne Racing Club meet growing demand for training facilities at the racecourse. The additional track will help to reduce wear on existing tracks.
Twenty-nine new LED lights will be installed to improve the track lighting during training.
The new veterinary room and swab boxes are aimed at improving animal welfare and providing safer working conditions for veterinary staff. McIntosh said up to 20 jobs will be created during construction.
The Melbourne Racing Club conducts 18 race meetings and 45 trial meetings at Mornington Racecourse, with 55 trainers and 400 horses operating out of the venue.
Hastings MP Paul Mercurio said the racecourse had been an integral part of the community and the upgrades would help it have “a long and prosperous future”.
First published in the Mornington News – 23 January 2024
