A major upgrade to the synthetic track at Pakenham Racing Club will deliver a boost to the industry over winter months and improve safety.
Minister for Racing Martin Pakula announced on Wednesday 27 April the State Government would be allocating more than $1 million from the Victorian Racing Industry Fund for the project.
“Pakenham Racing Club is one of Victoria’s busiest racecourses and that’s why we are backing this upgrade to ensure it continues to provide an all-weather track option,“ Mr Pakula said.
“We’re investing in these upgrades to support jobs and improve safety and welfare outcomes for Victoria’s racing industry.”
The club is investing more than $875,000 and Racing Victoria with Country Racing Victoria are contributing more than $1.5 million to undertake the works.
Racing Victoria chair Brian Kruger said it was a “significant enhancement“.
“This significant enhancement to the synthetic track will ensure that it is presented in great condition to promote safe racing and allow for the programming of crucial race meetings during the winter period,“ he said.
The new and improved synthetic track will provide a premium racing surface and improve safety at the racecourse.
Pakenham hosts its own full calendar of race meetings, but its all-weather surface means it also plays an important role as an alternative venue for hosting race meetings during the winter season.
The project includes removing the existing surface material, which will be either reused for pathways around the venue or mixed with the new synthetic material and reinstalled to construct the new surface on the track. It will generate 15 jobs during construction.
The synthetic track upgrade is anticipated to be completed by May to support Racing Victoria’s winter racing program.
