Minister for Racing Denis Napthine, right, came bearing a $1.3 million gift for Yarra Valley Racing. Joining him for the celebration are, from left, YVR president Barry Coulthard, Seymour MP Cindy McLeish, YVR chief executive Brett Shambrook and YVR racecourse manager Matt Clark.
By Kath Gannaway
IF YARRA Valley Racing can have the turf down on its new racetrack by 1 April, thoroughbred racing can make a return to Yarra Glen for Cox Plate day.
That is Brett Shambrook’s plan after Racing Minister Denis Napthine announced on Friday the State Government would match a $1.3 million dollar investment by Racing Victoria, Country Racing Victoria and Yarra Valley Racing (YVR).
The YVR CEO said works on the $2.6 million project would start immediately.
The Yarra Glen track has been off-limits to thoroughbred racing for more than a year, after floods devastated the training track and made the main grass track unsafe for racing.
“Yarra Valley will once again come alive to the thunder and excitement of thoroughbred horses’ hooves bearing down the straight with a return to racing in late 2012,” Dr Napthine said announcing the funding to an appreciative crowd at the YVC on Friday.
“This significant project will see a major redevelopmentof the track, including improvement of the track’s camber, a new racing surface and flow mitigation works.”
The plans include further improvements to amenities for spectators.
Dr Napthine congratulated the club on its co-operative approach to finding a solution which he said involved working with Melbourne Water to mitigate future flooding problems.
YVR president Barry Coulthard said it had been an incredibly difficult year for everyone involved with the club.
“Melbourne Water told us we got the trifecta – we’re in a flood plain, in the flood path of the Steels Creek and the back flood of the Yarra,” he said.
“This will get us back on our feet and will guarantee the future of thoroughbred racing in the Yarra Valley.”
Mr Shambrook said he felt relieved and was looking forward now to a positive future for the club and for Yarra Glen.
“It’s been stressful for staff and members, but also for the wider community which has been impacted. People come to the races and stay over, making a weekend of it,” he said.
Course manager Matt Clark was also looking forward to getting back on track.
“After all we’ve been through it’s nice to finally see some light at the end of the tunnel and job security for locals,” he said
“This will bring business back to the town … we can’t wait to get going.”
