New facilities for Wangaratta Turf Club to safeguard animal welfare

A new $1.1 million sand training track has been completed for Wangaratta Turf Club to safeguard animal welfare and meet the demand for year-round training facilities.

The project has been backed by a $550,000 investment from the Government’s Victorian Racing Industry Fund, with the other half coming from Racing Victoria and the Wangaratta Turf Club.

The project includes a new 1500 metre railed sandtrack designed for year round use - providing the best possible racing and training conditions to improve horse welfare for the 135 horses and 35 trainers currently based at the track.

The new low-maintenance track will also be easier for the club to maintain and manage throughout the year.

The project began in October 2023 and was completed this month. The new sand track includes new running rails as well as an improved drainage system with upgraded pumps and filters.

Since 2014, the State Government has provided more than $4 million to support racing events and infrastructure projects at the Wangaratta Turf Club.

The thoroughbred racing industry generates $3.43 billion for the Victorian economy and helps sustain 25,705 full-time equivalent jobs.