Beach resolution for Warrnambool trainers

A resolution has been found that will allow Warrnambool trainers to continue using beaches in the area in a restricted form.

A horse training licence will be issued to the Warrnambool Racing Club which will allow only a certain number of horses on beaches at prescribed times during the day and seasons.

No access will be granted to Lady Bay beach during the summer months.

The club has been granted $600,000 from the Victorian racing industry fund to help build a $1.2 million sand fibre training race at the Warrnambool racecourse which will go with another grant earlier in the year to build a horse swimming pool.

WRC chief executive Peter Downs said there had been fantastic growth in the racing industry in the Warrnambool area.

“The main issue has been it’s unregulated growth and while it’s been very successful it might have been a problem of it’s own success,” Downs told RSN927.

“These regulations have now been put in place with different restrictions which will make things a lot safer for all.

“There’s still a bit of work for us to do in regards to the details and what that looks like with horse numbers for specific trainers, but it gives our local trainers and their staff a lot more security in the future in our area.”

Downs said getting some investment into the Warrnambool training centre was welcome news.

“We are a large training hub and we’re looking to improve on what we can offer,” he said.