- Published:
- Thursday 19 December 2019
Horsham racecourse is on a winner this Christmas with Andrews Labor Government support for a new entertainment centre plus backing for the Horsham and District Racing Club’s Santa Races meeting on Sunday.
Minister for Racing Martin Pakula today announced that Horsham racecourse would soon boast a fantastic new entertainment and function centre thanks to more than $700,000 in funding.
The Labor Government is investing $175,000 from its Victorian Racing Industry Fund to support the project, Horsham Harness Racing Club will pitch in $350,000, the Wimmera Racing Club, $75,000, and Racing Victoria and Country Racing Victoria, $100,000 combined.
For the past decade, the racecourse has been operating with portable infrastructure and marquees, which is impractical and inappropriate for a dual-code course that hosts 14 meetings a year. The new centre will create a modern facility for club and community use that can host up to 100 people.
The facility will extend from the existing grandstand and feature full glass frontage with views of the track and winning post and include a bistro and cafe, commercial kitchen, cool room, keg room, kids area and storage.
The Government also announced that it would contribute $15,000 from its Victorian Racing Industry Fund – Raceday Attraction Program to support the Santa Races meeting this Sunday, with the club tipping in more than $33,000 and Country Racing Victoria more than $4,000.
The meeting has plenty of entertainment for the whole family, with dining and marquee packages for business or groups wanting to get together for the festive season. There will be music from Queensland acoustic band All The King’s Men and kids’ activities including a visit from Santa while Rob Gaylard will MC the day.
Since December 2014, the Labor Government has provided more than $535,000 to support eight events and 13 infrastructure projects at Horsham racecourse.
Quote attributable to Minister for Racing Martin Pakula
“We’re proud to support the 2019 Santa Races at Horsham and I encourage all racing fans and locals to head to the course, soak up the action and get into the Christmas spirit.”
Quote attributable to Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford
“This crucial upgrade isn’t just about putting on a better race meeting, it’s about improving local infrastructure that will benefit the whole community for years to come.”
Quote attributable to Horsham and District Harness Racing Club president Robbie Connelly
“The new entertainment and function centre will deliver massive benefits on race days and for non-raceday events.”
Quote attributable to Horsham and District Racing Club chair Jason Merlo
“The government has backed us this Sunday for the Santa Races meeting which should get a terrific crowd.”