Increased funding for Vic country tracks

A support package to assist country race clubs maintain their tracks at the highest possible level has been delivered in Victoria.

The $1.9 million commitment from Racing Victoria and Country Racing Victoria centres on building and supporting a network of track staff to maintain racing and training tracks.

Jamie McGuinness, RV’s executive general manager – people, infrastructure and clubs, said they were committed to supporting track managers.

“Due to the Victorian climate, there are many challenges faced in the preparation of racing and training surfaces and our track managers often face a thankless task,” he said.

“It is for the benefit of all that we educate and retain quality track staff, particularly in country Victoria.”

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A number of initiatives to be implemented during the season include:

* the introduction of incentives for major regional clubs to employ a turf management apprentice or trainee who will be supported by a new industry training and mentoring program

* a two-year extension to the regional track manager program with an experienced track manager to provide support to smaller clubs and inexperienced track managers

* the allocation of an additional $1 million to support the maintenance and preparation of tracks at the state’s funded training centres

* an expansion of the program which provides funding assistance to country clubs that are not funded training centres to maintain their course proper

* the commencement of a new program that means RV will provide a professional and consistent track renovation service to the 21 country clubs that conduct between three and 13 TAB race meetings annually