Welcome investment for regional racing

VICTORIA’S Government is backing a new state-of-the-art training centre at Shepparton Harness Racing Club, which will help develop tomorrow’s top pacers and trotters in the region.

Minister for Racing Anthony Carbines inspected the construction works, supported by an investment of more than $1.1million through the Harness Racing Victoria Transformation program.

Harness Racing Victoria is contributing a further $375,000 to the centre, which is set to welcome horses and trainers early in October.

Built at the rear of the club, the centre will feature modern and safe horse boxes and tie up stalls, equipment sheds, feed rooms, and the latest horse walkers and aquatic facilities.

Shepparton is already a popular venue with trainers, and this facility will boost its capacity by more than 60 horses to well over 100.

The program aims to boost participation in the industry and reduce barriers to entry, attract more fans, and build on the strength of harness racing in regional Victoria.

The development of regional training centres with modern facilities like the one in Shepparton is a key pillar of the Harness Racing Victoria Trots24 Strategy.

This will reduce barriers to entry, making it easier for new participants to enter the industry, and help position Victoria as a desired location for trainers and owners to race their horses, as well as retaining existing owners and trainers.

Overall, the harness racing industry in Victoria generates more than $613 million for the economy and helps sustain more than 4,460 jobs. In regional Victoria it generates more than $261 million for the Victorian economy and helps sustain over 2,000 jobs.

“This centre will play a big part in helping grow our industry in regional Victoria and help attract owners and trainers
to locate here. We’re grateful for the government’s support, ” HRV Chairman Dale Monteith said.