The Strathalbyn Racing Club has been boosted by a $210,000 upgrade to its on-course thoroughbred training facilities, officially unveiled on Thursday.
The new amenities, consisting of four wash bays and an equine sandroll area, were opened by the Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing, Hon Corey Wingard MP and Member for Heysen Josh Teague.
Funding for the project has come from the State Government’s $24 million racing-industry stimulus package, announced in 2019, which has $2.5 million allocated for thoroughbred racing industry projects across South Australia.
Minister Wingard said it was exciting to see projects rolling out across the state.
“The Marshall Government has invested close to $30 million into the racing industry since 2018, demonstrating once again how serious we are about partnering with South Australian racing to drive a vibrant industry and create jobs,” Minister Wingard said.
“It’s exciting to watch how the industry is responding to the investments we are making and the benefits that are being delivered across the state.” Racing SA CEO Nick Redin said the facilities were another important piece of infrastructure for the future of South Australian racing.
“Strathalbyn proudly boasts 40 trainers with businesses of varying sizes who all create employment and contribute economically to the local community,” Redin said.
“These new facilities will not only benefit those currently working at the track, but they will also broaden the appeal of the venue for trainers in the region and beyond.
“We’re grateful for the continued support and investment from the State Government which is enabling improvements to drive growth across all aspects of the industry.”
Strathalbyn Racing Club CEO Kristy Martin said consultation with local trainers had highlighted the need for the new wash bays and sandroll.
“The old on-course wash bays were more than 50 years old, built by volunteers at the time. Since then our horse numbers have tripled, as have race day nominations, so this new infrastructure is important for us to be able to meet the needs of our trainers,” Martin said.
“The end result has exceeded all expectations, with four spacious undercover wash bays for horses, all servicing cold or warm water if required and with a non-slip surface to ensure safety.
“The sandroll has been designed specially to fit into the new space and allow horses to roll comfortably, providing therapy and aiding their coat maintenance.
“Given our central location to both the Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu Peninsula, with Goolwa Beach in close proximity, Strathalbyn provides an ideal site for horse training and many of the adjacent properties benefit from on-site boxes.
“The feedback has already been incredibly positive and these new facilities will certainly assist us to service current and future trainers long-term.”