By Michael Doran
Yarra Valley Racing is to receive a funding boost of $103,000 from the Victorian State Government, as part of total investments of more than $250,000, announced by Minister for Racing, Martin Pakula on 25 October.
“The government is investing in infrastructure upgrades and racing days across Victoria because the racing industry in regional Victoria provides an enormous boost to local economies, and provides hundreds of local jobs,” he said.
Yarra Valley Racing Chairman, David Long said that getting people to the races relies as much on entertainment as it does on the actual racing.
“These days people demand more than just watching races, we have to make it a pleasant experience to get them here and get them to come back again. Otherwise they can just sit at home and watch the races on the TV,” he said.
“This $250,000 program will enable us to enhance the race-day experience by providing better facilities for everyone.”
“We are building more experiences for people who come along for the races.”
“We have never been in a better position – attendances are up, track improvements are first-class and the support from Country Racing Victoria and Harness Racing Victoria with race dates like the Melbourne Cup, Cox Plate and Derby Day is huge.”
“Better facilities and visitor experience means we can employ more than 200 local people here on race-days. That’s something we are all very proud of.”
Mr. Pakula said, “We provide funds out of the Victorian Racing Infrastructure Fund not just because we love racing but also because we recognise the impact country racing has on the local community and providing local jobs.”
The funding includes $48,000 to replace the former TAB building, topped up with $24,000 each from Yarra Valley Racing and Racing Victoria.
The government is also providing more than $29,000 to support a harness racing social club package and more than $26,000 to support a Christmas race day.
These funds are coming out of the Victorian Racing Industry Fund, as part of a $155,000 joint funding package, to which Country Racing Victoria has also contributed.
In a nod to Seinfield fans, Mr. Pakula announced the ‘Festivus for the Rest of Us’ Christmas race meeting on 21 December, which is part of the government’s funding support. On the day patrons can enjoy New York-style food trucks, live music and a $50 discount to the first 500 to attend.
Yarra Valley Racing CEO, Brett Shambrook said, “We’re grateful for the funding we’ve received from the Victorian Government supporting our social club package, Christmas race day and to revamp the facilities at Yarra Valley Racecourse.”
