Racing at Swan Hill racecourse will resume tomorrow - Friday, 1 March - following the completion of a major track upgrade.
The $300,000 track upgrade was jointly funded by the Labor Government via its Victorian Racing Industry Fund (VRIF) program, Racing Victoria (RV), Country Racing Victoria (CRV) and the Swan Hill Jockey Club (SHJC).
The project saw the section of course proper between the 800m mark and 300m mark widened and re-cambered in the interests of safe and competitive racing and training.
Works within that section of the track included an upgrade of the irrigation system, re-turfing, and the relocation and upgrade of a stewards’ tower.
The upgrade also presented the SHJC with the opportunity to install a new chute that will enable 2400m racing in the future as well as straight jump outs for local trainers.
SHJC Chief Executive, Aaron Garvie, said, “Following significant works on the track, it is pleasing that we will see a return to racing tomorrow with the project run on schedule and on budget.
“We were especially thrilled that local contractors were able to be used on this project and it is credit to them in regards to the quality of work achieved.
“On behalf of the Swan Hill Jockey Club I would like to thank the Labor Government, RV and CRV for their support on this project.
“I also want to acknowledge the support and patience of the local trainers as they have had reduced access to the course proper in the last six months.”
RV Executive General Manger – Infrastructure and Club Support, Jamie McGuinness, said, “Country Racing Clubs are a vital part of our industry and it is important that we continue to invest in these tracks to assist them to provide a quality racing product that is safe and fair for all participants.
“I too would like to extend our thanks to the Labor Government for their support and wish the Swan Hill Jockey Club the very best as they resume racing tomorrow and begin their countdown to another big Swan Hill Cup Carnival in June.”
Due to a forecast temperature of 39 degrees at Swan Hill tomorrow, the meeting has been brought forward by two hours, with the first race now scheduled for 11am and the last race at 2.45pm