Mornington Racecourse is set for a major upgrade with a new all-weather synthetic training track expected to be completed by September this year.
The $2.75 million project is jointly funded by the Andrews Labor Government, Racing Victoria (RV) and the Melbourne Racing Club (MRC).
Minister for Racing Martin Pakula today announced that the Labor Government will provide almost $1.38 million from its Victorian Racing Industry Fund, with RV contributing $962,500 towards the track upgrade and the MRC providing $412,500.
The new synthetic track will replace the sand training track and provide long-term benefits for the club and its trainers, with more gallops, jump outs and trials to be conducted on the new surface.
The all-weather surface will allow training to occur all year round and provide a more consistent training surface.
The existing track base and drainage will support the new synthetic track, which will be the same dimensions as the old sand track – 1730 metres in length and eight metres wide.
Minister for Racing Martin Pakula said, “This new, all-weather synthetic track at Mornington will ensure that trainers have access to top-quality facilities at one of Victoria’s busiest racing and training centres.
“We’re investing in the racing infrastructure that Victoria needs to boost local jobs and the economy.”
The Melbourne Racing Club conducts 18 race meetings and 40 jump outs each year at Mornington, with around 86 trainers and 440 horses using the track to train. The current sand training track was installed 12 years ago and is no longer suitable for training.
RV Executive General Manager, People Infrastructure and Clubs, Jamie McGuinness, said “The addition of an all-weather training surface will provide long-term benefits to trainers in the Mornington region.
“Racing Victoria is proud to support this important upgrade which will allow trainers to conduct gallops, jump outs and trials all-year round.”
The racing industry in the outer Melbourne region generates more than $375 million for the Victorian economy annually and helps to sustain more than 3720 full-time equivalent jobs in the region.