Amy Hume
EXTENSIVE drainage works will soon begin at the Kilmore Racing Club with a $450,000 package to weather-proof the flood-affected track.
The State Government funded track drainage inspections in May following heavy rainfall and flooding at numerous regional racetracks.
Kilmore’s dual-code track was identified as one of six in need of major works to restore it to a safe standard.
Victorian Minister for Racing Denis Napthine announced the Coalition Government’s $225,000 commitment to the funding package to a gathering at the Kilmore Racing Club on Thursday.
“The Kilmore track has been hit hard by the recent heavy rainfall,” he said.
“The recent investigations at Kilmore racecourse revealed serious damage to the track drainage system which forced the transfer of numerous races.”
Dr Napthine said the safety of horses and jockeys was paramount and the works would see the track brought up to scratch.
“Weather-proofing tracks to prevent racing disruptions caused by severe weather events will also protect the livelihoods of the communities that benefit from country racing,” he said.
The funding will go towards a works program that will see the replacement of six large drains, repairs to agricultural piping and turf reinstatement.
The drains will harvest excess water to fill on-site dams which can be used for irrigation.
The Coalition Government’s commitment of $225,000 will be matched by Country Racing Victoria and the Kilmore Racing Club to fund the remainder of the $450,000 project.
Racing Victoria’s chief operating officer Bernard Saundry said non-seasonal weather over the past year had placed unprecedented pressure on drainage systems at racetracks across the state.
“With extensive flooding and non-seasonal weather impacting on a number of racetracks throughout the state since last spring, we have been conscious of ensuring the integrity of our drainage systems is maintained,” Mr Saundry said.
“While the racing surface has not been compromised at Kilmore, these works will be undertaken now so that the damaged drainage underneath doesn’t present an issue for horse and rider safety in the future.”
Kilmore Racing Club CEO John Cameron was appreciative of the financial support.
“It is fantastic to see the Victorian Government is such a strong supporter of country racing and recognises the importance of maintaining our racing and training venues to the highest standards,” Mr Cameron said.
“As a dual-code racetrack, the work on our drainage system is imperative to ensure we can host as many of our programmed harness and thoroughbred race meets over the racing season and weather-proof the track and training facilities for the future.”
