General News
2 August, 2023
Slew of upgrades has Mortlake race ready
THERE may not have been crowds on track since 2019, but the Mortlake Racing Club Committee has been far from idle in preparation for the return of racegoers this year.
THERE may not have been crowds on track since 2019, but the Mortlake Racing Club Committee has been far from idle in preparation for the return of racegoers this year.
Mortlake Racing Club manager Karen Van Kempen said the club had been hit with more than its fair share of back luck since 2019.
Crowds have been missing due to COVID restrictions in 2020 and 2021, and then the event being washed out in 2022 due to heavy rainfall.
Ms Van Kempen said being part of running outdoor events was not for the faint hearted and many would throw their hands in the air, but wanted to give the Mortlake Committee credit where credit was due as they set themselves the task of working on more upgrades at the venue.
“The Mortlake Racing Club along with support from the State Government, Racing Victoria and Country Racing Victoria have completed upgrades valued at $250,000 at the venue,” she said.
“This includes upgrades to the horse stalls area including new concrete flooring and new horse wash bays.
“New concrete paths have been added around the venue for patron comfort in addition to machinery updates.
“The was also a major electrical upgrade including the installation of three-phase power across the venue and we are in the process of awaiting permits to erect a new barrier storage shed for a new set of race day barriers that are due to arrive prior to the Derby Day meeting in early November.”
Mortlake Racing Club vice president Richard Beeck said he was proud of what the club had achieved over the last few years and was confident the improvements would future proof events.
“We’ve been working on the maintenance program for a few years now and wanted to reach a point where we were ready to go for any event on a moment’s notice,” he said.
“The improvements have included the addition of new rose gardens, we’re in the process of adding new light towers and we’ve made improvements to the jockey rooms.
“The upgrades have centred around accessibility, creating a more user-friendly environment while decreasing the long-term maintenance required around the track.”
Mr Beeck said the lack of racing over the past three years had been something of a blessing in disguise, giving the committee the opportunity to undertake the range of upgrades while the club was supported through the tumultuous period.
He said the return of the Mortlake Cup to its home track this year, after running in Terang last year, would provide a welcome boost for Mortlake.
“The Mortlake Cup is a pivotal event in the local Mortlake community and undertaking these works ensures that our venue will be able to continue to host the event for many, many years to come,” Mr Beeck said.
“We are so excited to be able to get crowds back again on Saturday, November 4 and our tickets and packages are on sale with early interest indicating it is going to be a big day.
“I encourage locals to put the date in their diaries and take the chance to come out to the track and witness some great racing, great food and great entertainment with something for everyone.”
