Spring racing turns the eyes of the world on Werribee, and this year’s runners from across the seas have a new $1.3 million training track to put them through their paces.
State government funds have financed the new Clopf fibre track, which was opened last week, to be used by international contenders during their quarantine at the Werribee International Horse Centre.
Werribee Racing Club manager Glen Scott said the new, softer surface gave horses a better training ground and ensured the turf tracks were kept in shape for other events during the year.
Racing Minister Martin Pakula said the track was a crucial part of racing infrastructure in Victoria and a home to horses under quarantine ahead of their race fixtures.
“Victoria has international appeal as a racing destination,” Mr Pakula said.
“With Australia’s strict quarantine laws, it’s crucial that we provide international trainers with world-class facilities while they’re here.
“Werribee Racing Club has been providing excellent facilities for training. Given the racecourse hosts six meetings of its own, including the popular Werribee Cup, it’s important that a world-class training track be built for our international competitors.”
“The upgrade means facilities at the Werribee centre are now comparable to those in Dubai and Hong Kong,” Mr Pakula said.
Werribee has hosted some of the racing world’s most successful international horses in recent years, including last year’s Melbourne Cup winner Protectionist, Caulfield Cup winner Admire Rakti and Cox Plate victor Adelaide.
“[The new fibre track] will allow the turf course to remain in optimum condition for the race meetings programmed at Werribee, particularly across the summer period, which is headlined by the all-important Werribee Cup meeting on December 13,” Mr Scott said.
Racing Victoria executive general manager Greg Carpenter said increasing interest from overseas trainers, especially during the Spring Racing Carnival, put extra pressure on the resources at Werribee racecourse.
The Spring Racing Carnival alone generates more than $600 million in economic benefits each year and attracts about 700,000 racegoers to meetings in Melbourne and regional Victoria.
“The new Clopf track is a fantastic enhancement,” Mr Carpenter said. “It will provide appropriate facilities for the international horses travelling to Victoria for our premier races in spring and autumn.”
