Viewpoint

We all had a good trip back from Singapore and the trip was a marvellous success.

When I got into the office this morning, the first thing I read was a story from the ANZ Bloodstock News that I simply have to share with you.  This was about the ninth story on this subject that I have read in the last month from different states of Australia.  Wouldn't it be marvellous if our Government recognised before it's too late, the importance of the racing and breeding industry to New Zealand's general economy?

Let me just remind you of what Governments in New Zealand are prepared to do for sport.  It was only five or six years ago that the Government offered the city of Auckland $450 million to build a sports stadium in downtown Auckland.  Even more recently, the America's Cup team (Team New Zealand) was offered tens of millions of dollars for a boat race series.  The World Cup Rugby tournament would have cost the Government in excess of $100 million. I am not criticising these grants but I am criticising the lack of any interest this Government has shown in horse racing and mark my words, it will cost them votes at next year's election.

I have copied below, for your interest, the Minister of Racing in Victoria, Australia, Dr Denis Napthine's announcement which I thought you would enjoy reading.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Synthetic Track for Pakenham

Premier and Minister for Racing Denis Napthine announced yesterday that a $9 million injection to the new Pakenham Racecourse at Tynong project will include Victoria's second all-weather, synthetic track in addition to the premium turf track already under construction.

The Synthetic track, which will join Victoria's inaugural synthetic racetrack at Geelong, will be 2000m in circumference and, with chutes at the 1400m and 1600m marks, will provide greater flexibility in programming with all distance ranges from 1000m to 2400m covered.

Whilst the exact number of meetings to be staged annually on the new Pakenham Synthetic track is yet to be finalised, it is anticipated there will be approximately 16 meetings programmed each season, commencing from the 2015-16 season, as well as the option to host transferred cards.

The announcement is part of the $70 million, 608-acre racecourse development in Melbourne's south east that will bring hundreds of jobs to the region and help keep Victoria as the premier racing state in Australia.

Racing on the state-of-the-art 2400m turf track will commence at the new Pakenham Racecourse in September 2014, with the final meeting at the Club's current site in Pakenham set down for February 2014.

“This $70 million racecourse development at Tynong, Victoria's first new racecourse in forty years will be a major economic boon for south east Melbourne and West Gippsland,” Dr Napthine said.

“Importantly, the installation of the $9 million synthetic track will make this racing facility one of the best in Australia.”

“This new synthetic track will be the catalyst for this development to become home to a major training and racing industry, delivering hundreds of new and ongoing jobs when the project is complete.”

“This new racecourse will hold up to 40 race meetings a year in addition to racedays that will be transferred from other race tracks affected by wet weather.  In the past three racing seasons in Victoria up to 50 race meetings a season have either been abandoned or transferred.”

“The new racecourse is well located being within one hour for 60% of Melbourne's horse population including at other major training centres at Caulfield, Cranbourne, Moe, Mornington and Sale.”

Racing Victoria Chief Executive Officer Bernard Saundry welcomed the Coalition Government's investment in racing and said the addition of a second synthetic track would further enhance the industry's infrastructure.

“With the support of the Coalition Government, we are pleased to introduce a second synthetic racetrack in Victoria which will enhance our programming opportunities in the state's east, particularly during the winter months,” Saundry said.

“Whilst our programming is yet to be finalised, we anticipate this world-class facility hosting up to 16 synthetic meetings each year alongside its 24 turf meetings.”

Pakenham Racing Club Chairman Don Duffy said the club was thrilled to receive government funding for the new track, which - together with the turf track development at Tynong - would become a showpiece for the Victorian racing industry.

“With superior design characteristics and a world-class racetrack profile, this track will revolutionise synthetic track racing in this state,” Duffy said.

“This is not only a milestone for the club but also for the local community and the Victorian racing industry.”

Country Racing Victoria (CRV) Chief Executive Officer Scott Whiteman said CRV was delighted with the support of the Coalition Government and in particular Dr Napthine for this project.

“This synthetic track will allow the industry to manage its major grass tracks, particularly those in country Victoria, so much better by giving them a chance to replenish during the winter season each year,” Whiteman said.

The Coalition Government is providing $3 million towards the installation of the synthetic racetrack through its Victorian Racing Industry Fund, with Pakenham Racing Club contributing $4.5 million and Racing Victoria and Country Racing Victoria providing $1.5 million.

Training at the new racecourse is expected to be up and running by mid-2014 with racing scheduled to start on the turf track in September that year with completion of the synthetic track to follow in early 2015.

In addition to the synthetic track, the $70 million first stage of this exciting development includes: a state of the art 2400m turf track; two high-quality sand training tracks; a modern grandstand and customer facilities; high-quality infrastructure; 16 trainer allotments; integrated water harvesting; treatment and recycling system; and 14 hectares of dedicated wetlands area to protect the habitat and local species.

Dr Napthine said the cramped, existing 27 hectare racecourse site in Pakenham was sold by the Pakenham Racing Club to funds manager ISPT in mid-2012.

“Over coming years, it is expected a substantial mixed-use development of the site will occur, potentially including retail, commercial, retirement and residential lots,” Dr Napthine said.

“This inner Pakenham development will provide massive economic benefits and jobs to Pakenham and the region, one of Victoria's fastest growing.”

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