State backs harness, gallops racing projects

BENDIGO Harness Racing Club will undergo a $1.36 million LED lighting and technology system upgrade, significantly improving visibility at Lord’s Raceway and helping slash electricity costs.

The project will replace the club’s aging system with 190 new LED lights, which will last longer, run more efficiently, and improve visibility for participants, fans, and broadcasters.

The project will be funded from the State Government’s Victorian Racing Infrastructure Fund.

Details of the upgrade were unveiled during a visit to Lord’s Raceway by Premier Jacinta Allan and Racing Minister Anthony Carbines last week.

Harness Racing Victoria CEO Matt Isaacs said the works – expected to be completed by mid-next year – would be a significant upgrade for the venue.

“This area is a big part of harness racing’s heartland, with a broad participant base and a passionate local club,” said Mr Isaacs, who was born in Mildura, but raised in Bendigo.

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

Club president Kirsten Graham thanked the State Government for its “significant investment” to improve the lighting at Lord’s Raceway.

“The new LED lighting will make a huge difference for our club – lowering costs, cutting emissions and creating a brighter experience for participants and fans,” she said.

Lord’s Raceway hosts racing every Wednesday night.

In a separate announcement, the State has pledged $530,000 to redevelop the turf track at the Bendigo Jockey Club.

The BJC will install a new course proper racing surface following its annual cup meeting on October 29.

The club’s current track will be replaced by 60,000 square metres of Kikuyu turf, which is widely used for racing due to its durability and fast recovery rate, creating a more consistent surface for training and racing.

As well as providing better facilities for horses and jockeys, the new surface is designed to improve drainage and future maintenance.

It’s the first major redevelopment of the track surface in 25 years and will result in the loss of seven meetings.

Racing is scheduled to return in late March, with next year’s Golden Mile race day pushed back to Saturday 2 May.

“This new turf will solidify Bendigo’s place as a thriving hub for regional racing in Victoria and will prioritise the wellbeing of our horses and jockeys first and foremost,” said BJC chief executive officer Paul Scullie.

Bendigo is home to 150 thoroughbred horses, 42 local trainers and hosts 23 race meetings a year.

Ms Allan – also the Member for Bendigo East – said the government was thrilled to back the two large-scale racecourse upgrades.

“Investing in our regional racing venues backs jobs in the community and boosts the local economy – that’s why we’re supporting both racecourses to ensure they can continue to host events for many years to come,” she said.