Off and racing

BRAND new lighting will shine down on Beckley Park at the Geelong Harness Racing Club as is reopens for the upcoming season.

Returning after a three-month break, 180 new lights were put to the test on Friday night (September 6) as the club hosted its first races.

Funding for the lighting upgrades came from a grant through the Allan Labor Government and Harness Racing Victoria.

Geelong Harness Racing Club general manager Joe Fiala said the new lights will make the track a lot brighter and safer for drivers.

“They’re LED lights and about a 30 to 35 per cent reduction in power and probably 30 to 40 per cent brighter than the old halogen lights and a lot less spill light, so it’s more concentrated on the track,” he said.

The State Government contributed more than $800,000 towards the project through its Victorian Industry Racing Fund.

Minister for Racing Anthony Carbines said the new lighting will increase visibility for participants, spectators and those watching at home.

“We continue to back regional racing infrastructure because a strong and sustainable Victorian racing industry makes a positive contribution to communities, our economy and thousands of jobs,” he said.

After closing in July, the club has undergone a number of upgrades, including a new menu for the dining room and improvements to the function rooms.

“There’s a VIP lounge upstairs now, there’s a special punters lounge where new blinds have been put in and some more cosmetic stuff,” Mr Fiala said.

Mr Fiala said the recent track and club upgrades are gearing them up to be a second-tier metro track with racing now taking place every second Friday night.

For more information on upcoming races head to geelonghrc.org.au