Victorian Racing Minister Anthony Carbines visited Melton’s Tabcorp Park last Thursday, as the state government announced a $1.42 million funding boost for the industry through the Victorian Racing Industry Fund (VRIF).
Mr Carbines toured the site of a new Owners Room, currently under-construction, with $960,000 contributed from the government through the VRIF, as well as a Harness Racing Victoria investment of $320,000.
The room for owners will be developed under the grandstand, with space for 70 people seated, or 120 people standing, a private bar and track side viewing through a tinted frameless glass wall.
In a statement, the government said the room will be used by owners and their nominated guests for all 80 race meetings held at Tabcorp Park each year, but will also be available to hire for events and corporate functions too.
HRV chair Dale Monteith said the Victorian Harness Racing Club was “extremely thankful” to the government for the investment.
“[The Owners Room] will provide owners a special experience when their horse races at Melton,” Mr Monteith said.
The government said the VRIF is hoped to enable Harness Racing Victoria’s (HRV) VicBred Platinum Scheme to encourage breeding, racing and ownership of Victorian horses, with HRV matching the investment.
“There are currently more than 4700 owners in Victoria, with that number growing by around 3.8 per cent a year over the past decade,” the government said.
“The funding will also provide additional prizemoney and bonuses to eligible owners of Victorian bred horses that are registered with HRV.”
Mr Carbines said the government was supporting HRV deliver its three-year-plan to “consolidate, strengthen and grow the industry”.
“The VicBred Platinum Scheme provides a strong incentive to boost breeding and racing in Victoria,” he said.
