Geelong club’s million-dollar Cup Day bonus

GEELONG Racing Club is set to receive a sand training track and a desalination system as part a $1 million injection into the club’s infrastructure.

Racing Minister Martin Pakula announced the upgrades at yesterday’s Geelong Cup meeting, in which the Government will contribute $435,000 through the Victorian Racing Industry Fund.

Racing Victoria is also tipping in $304,000, while Geelong Racing Club is providing $130,000 towards the two infrastructure projects.

The sand training track refurbishment will provide trainers with a quality surface to prepare their horses, while the desalination system will allow the racecourse to be treated by the venue’s bore water, reducing the need for the club to buy town water during summer.

“The sand training track upgrade and new desalination unit at Geelong racecourse will ensure the Geelong Racing Club remains a world class racing and training venue for years to come,” Geelong MP Christine Couzens said.

“We are incredibly grateful for the Victorian Government’s support for our vital new infrastructure projects,” said Geelong Racing Club chief executive Daniel Salter.

The package also includes a $48,000 government boost to support key race day attractions at the 2017 Geelong Cup, with the club also contributing $101,000 and Country Racing Victoria providing $12,000.

Trackside highlights this year included live music, roaming entertainers and former Geelong AFL star Billy Brownless as the host of the Trackside Pavilion.

The racing industry in the Barwon region generates more than $106 million annually for the Victorian economy and helps sustain more than 1050 full-time equivalent jobs.

“The Geelong Cup has established itself as an essential race meeting in the lead-up to the Melbourne Cup, particularly for international horses, and we’re proud to be supporting the event for a second consecutive year,” Mr Pakula said.