- Published:
- Thursday 26 March 2015
History was made today with the first race meeting at Racing.com Park in Tynong, the new home of the Pakenham Racing Club (PRC).
Minister for Racing, Martin Pakula, today officially opened the $72 million complex – the first thoroughbred racecourse built in Victoria in almost 40 years.
Located on the club’s 608-acre site, Racing.com Park is one of the largest racecourse developments in Australia and includes:
- A 2400m turf track and a 2000m Polytrack synthetic track
- State of the art undercover horse stalls
- A sand training track
- A 600 seat event centre
- A 150-acre residential development for trainers’ dwellings and stabling
The new racing precinct will provide a significant economic boost to the Cardinia Shire, with construction generating up to $688 million in economic benefits for the community and supporting up to 1,800 jobs.
In addition, the future redevelopment of the old Pakenham Racecourse into a mixed-use residential precinct is expected to provide around $592 million in economic benefits and support more than 2,800 jobs in a range of industries.
The Victorian Government was pleased to support the racecourse redevelopment with more than $3 million in funding towards starting stalls and the Polytrack synthetic track – only the second of its kind in Victoria.
The Government also contributed $129,728 from the Victorian Racing Industry Fund Raceday Attraction Program towards today’s grand opening – supported by $121,754 from the PRC and $24,750 from Country Racing Victoria.
As part of the PRC’s 140th anniversary celebrations, the Club also opened a museum to highlight its proud history, starting from the first race meeting at the old Pakenham site right through to the creation of the new landmark track.
For more information on racing or events at Racing.com Park, contact the Pakenham Racing Club on 03 5940 6600, by email at pakenham@countryracing.com.au or visit www.pakenhamracing.com.au
Quotes attributable to Minister for Racing, Martin Pakula
“Country racing is the cornerstone of Victoria’s thoroughbred racing industry, which generates close to $2.1 billion of economic benefit each year.”
“This world-class complex is a win for the local region, with huge future growth and expansion potential for the precinct in the decades ahead.”
“I have no doubt this spectacular new racecourse – opened in Pakenham Racing Club’s 140th year – will quickly become the jewel of the Cardinia Shire, sure to attract trainers and racegoers from right across the state.”
Quotes attributable to Chairman of the Pakenham Racing Club, Don Duffy
“The support from the Victorian Government and the increase in funding enables the Club to provide a heightened customer experience for the local community and racing industry.”
“The new Pakenham Racecourse is such an important asset for the local community, providing crucial employment opportunities and further access to feature race days closer to home.”
Quotes attributable to Racing Victoria Chair, Robert Roulsto
“With its state-of-the-art turf and synthetic tracks, racing will be conducted at Racing.com Park year-round – a significant asset for the Victorian thoroughbred racing industry and in particular the South East region.”
“The venue will host more than 40 race meetings a year, making it one of Victoria’s busiest racecourses. With its first-class facilities, we’re confident it will become a favourite for participants and fans alike.”