General News
24 May, 2023
Cranes lift racing upgrades in to place
TERANG Harness Racing Club’s future among Victoria’s premier tracks is beginning to take shape with $1.7 million in upgrades coming along.
TERANG Harness Racing Club’s future among Victoria’s premier tracks is beginning to take shape with $1.7 million in upgrades coming along.
Last Friday four cranes and a large workforce braved the elements to lift the second large roof comprising the new stable complex in to place.
The project will see the construction of 100-stall stable complex with horse urinals, wash bays, veterinary room and swabbing facilities.
In addition to the new stable complex, the Silks Room/Community Hub function room will also see enhancements which aim to offer significantly improved amenity on race days and make the track a more attractive venue for the local community.
Terang Harness Racing Club manager Mark Roberts said the club was thrilled to see the works under way, bringing the club a step closer to racing again.
“The club are happy to see the progress of the building coming out of the ground,” he said.
“It not only is going to help to attract new trainers and bigger names, but it makes the club viable through the winter months.
“We know what the weather can be like in the south west, but the participants can now be undercover with their horses.
“It should provide a much warmer environment in the colder months, and shade in the warmer months.”
It was a little over two years ago when then-Minister for Racing Martin Pakula visited Terang to announce a $730,000 state government investment from the Victorian Racing Industry Fund to help bring the $1.7 million investment to fruition.
The Federal Government contributed $250,000 and Corangamite Shire Council chipped in $50,000.
Terang Harness Racing Club and Harness Racing Victoria agreed to cover the remainder of the costs, in addition to support from the community.
Mr Roberts thanked the Terang Harness Owners, Trainers and Supporters group for its ongoing support of the track upgrades.
“The Terang Harness Owners, Trainers and Supporters have been fundraising for a number of years,” he said.
“Without their contribution the project probably would not have gone ahead.
“Not only financially, but work wise with a number of working bees.
“The Terang Harness Owners, Trainers and Supporters group have been invaluable to the project.”
The process of getting the works under way has been slow going as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, significant increases in the costs of materials and heavy rainfall last year.
“It’s not too dissimilar to other projects around the state, but it should come to hand quite quickly now,” Mr Roberts said.
“The concrete flooring will go in next, the stall dividers and a bit of masonry.
“We don’t have a finalisation date yet, but we’re hoping to be back racing around August.”
Due to the works schedule, this year’s Terang Co-Op Pacing Cup was postponed.
Mr Roberts confirmed the cup will be held later this year, in a not to be missed event showcasing the new facilities.
“Our Cup is normally in February, but just for this year as a one-off it will be scheduled on a Friday night, September 22 before reverting back to February next year,” he said.
“It’ll be good to get back racing.”
