Racing Clubs around the state will benefit from a cash injection of more than $1.5 million from Racing SA to spend on capital projects and facility upgrades. So far 27 projects at 15 Racing Clubs have been given the tick of approval and Racing SA’s General Manager of Operations Nick Bawden says more grants are being considered. “It’s crucial that we continue to invest in capital works to provide the infrastructure that’s necessary for the industry to operate at a high level, and to ensure the Clubs are viable in the long term,” said Bawden.
“The approved projects will not only improve the race day experience for participants, but we hope it will also improve the experience for race day attendees and is in line with our strategic objectives around maximising the ownership experience. “Continued investment is also critical in ensuring a safe working environment for all participants,” he said. On top of the $1.5 million already approved in Club capital projects, Racing SA is also considering further projects, which could bring the total spend on capital project grants to $2 million this financial year.
Country Racing SA has also played a key role in the decision making. “It’s great that Country Racing SA has been a part of the formal process, and we are happy with the collaboration we’ve had with Racing SA,” said CRSA Chair Jeff Tansell. “Improvements to race tracks and upgrading facilities are an ongoing process, and we’ll continue to work together with our Clubs to enhance the race-day experience. “The grants cover a wide range of projects, and in many cases the Clubs are contributing funds to these upgrades as well,” he said.
Big Screen Upgrades
Big screens and semaphore boards used for showing race day vision at tracks around the state will be replaced or repaired. A brand new 4.5m x 2.5m trailer screen will be shared between Mount Gambier Racing Club and Penola. Inner Provincial Clubs will also benefit from a new trailer screen that can be used in conjunction with an upgraded Racing SA LED truck screen. The current provincial LED trailer screen will be relocated to Bordertown, and Naracoorte’s LED screen will be upgraded. Port Augusta and Port Lincoln’s LED screen will also be significantly upgraded.
Infrastructure Upgrades
In addition, funds will be spent at the Mount Gambier Racecourse to restore the Steward Towers.The Gawler and Barossa Jockey Club will receive a grant to complete the build of their stables. Balaklava has received grants to replace the flooring in the horse stalls, and build a new roof on their kitchen and sandwich bar.
The Clare Valley Racing Club will receive funding to realign the eastern stable roof, and concrete the floor on the western side of enclosures, while improvements will be made to Ceduna Racing Club’s saddling enclosure. At Lock funding will be provided for the installation of 28 new horse stalls for their race day. Port Augusta Racing Club will replace their main electrical switchboard, and Quorn has plans to build a new public bar shed and cool-room. A grant will also allow Naracoorte to upgrade its committee room to provide space for owners and trainers.
Track, Barrier Gates and Machinery Upgrades
A new tractor with greater capability to maintain Thomas Farms Race Course Murray Bridge is included. Port Lincoln plans to purchase an Amazone Super Smart Grass Cutter and Gawler also has a replacement tractor. To improve track health at Balaklava, a grant has been approved for an irrigation dosing plant. Streaky Bay has a grant to resurface the race track and install running rails so that the track is fully enclosed on both sides.
New training starting barrier gates at Bordertown are planned, along with Mount Gambier who will also replace their practice barriers. Kangaroo Island plans to purchase and install plastic outside running rails, and a horse laneway with their grant.
