Raceway redevelopment starting soon

A date has been set for the start of a significant facility upgrade at the Bendigo Harness Racing Club (BHRC).

Following a delay, infrastructure works are now scheduled to start at Lord’s Raceway on 6 July and are expected to take about three months to complete.

The project will include the installation of new LED track lighting and the construction of a roof over the horse stall area to better support both equine and participant needs.

BHRC racing operations coordinator Rebecca Morrissey said the upgrades would deliver improved visibility, increased energy efficiency, reduced maintenance costs and enhanced facilities for all stakeholders.

“We are due to cease racing on 6 July and from this point in time all races and trials will be suspended,” she said.

“It looks like the races will be shared between Ballarat, Kilmore and Melton. On top of that, with our trials, we are hoping that some other clubs may take up the opportunity to have additional trials to accommodate participants.

“At this point in time, it looks like we will be back racing on 14 October.

“We are looking forward to the new LED lighting, our shed over our stables. It will be much more power efficient, (have) brilliant lighting and keep all us participants nice and dry and cooler in the winter and summer months.”

Announced last October, the $1.8 million lighting project will include a complete replacement of track lighting with 190 modern LED lights.

It is being jointly funded with $1.37 million from the state government’s Victorian Racing Industry Fund and $458,000 from Harness Racing Victoria (HRV).

HRV CEO Matt Isaacs hailed the works as a significant upgrade for the critical venue.

“This area is a big part of harness racing’s heartland, with a broad participant base and a passionate local club,” he said.

“It has been an integral part of the industry’s past, and with this investment will be an even bigger part of our future.”

The club will continue to hold meetings every Wednesday night up until 1 July and trials every Monday night except on 8 June.