The Allan Labor Government is investing in upgraded facilities at Mornington Racecourse enhancing safety for veterinary staff, trainers and horses.

The upgrades will help meet the growing demand for use of the racecourse and will better support training activities. This includes the construction of a new 800-metre sand training track, a veterinary room with swab boxes, and upgraded track lighting.

The Government’s Victorian Racing Industry Fund has invested more than $478,400 in the upgrades, supported by Racing Victoria’s contribution of $373,645, and Melbourne Racing Club’s contribution of $104,800.

The construction of the sand track will create ten new local jobs during construction and will help the Melbourne Racing Club meet the growing demand for local training facilities at the racecourse. The additional track will help to reduce wear on existing training facilities.

Twenty-nine new LED lights will be installed at the venue to improve the standard of track lighting for training activity throughout the day to support rider and horse safety.

The new veterinary room and swab boxes will improve animal welfare, and provide safer working conditions for veterinary staff. Up to 20 new local jobs will be created during the construction of the new veterinary facilities.

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.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh

“We’re ensuring that Victorian veterinarians, trainers and horses have access to the best facilities through the upgrades to Mornington Racecourse that will improve both animal and participant safety, while creating local jobs.” 

Quotes attributable to Member for Hastings Paul Mercurio

“The Mornington Racecourse has been an integral part of the local community, and these upgrades will help it have a long and prosperous future.”

Quotes attributable to Melbourne Racing Club Chairman Matthew Cain

“We thank the Victorian Government for its significant investment to upgrade key facilities at the Mornington Racecourse.”

“We know these upgraded facilities will help meet the training demand at the racecourse, and also provide key improvements to existing racing and training facilities.”