Benalla Racecourse benefits from $308,000 overhaul

Wed 16 March 2011

The State Government has announced a major overhaul of the damaged drainage system at Benalla Racing Club to bring it back to life for spring.

The government had committed $154,300 towards the $308,600 project to completely remove and replace part of the drainage system, which caused the track to collapse late last year. The remaining costs will be met by the Racing Victoria Ltd (RVL) and Country Racing Victoria (CRV).

This is a vital project to ensure that racing can return to Benalla Racing Club as soon as possible. The racing industry and the wider community have been affected significantly in recent months as the Benalla Racecourse has been forced to relocate race meetings due to the collapse of the track at the 500-metre mark.

There is widespread commitment to helping fix the racetrack after previous works caused the drains to capture water but not release it. This led to soil erosion and the eventual collapse of the track during a race meeting in October.

The government is working with RVL, CRV and the Club itself to make sure thoroughbred racing is back up and running for Benalla’s Cup meeting on 25 September.  The racing industry is very important to the community and the overhaul of the drainage system will ensure racing in regional Victoria continues to grow.

Racing Victoria has appointed Dalton Consulting Engineers to conduct a site inspection in November and a thorough investigation into the track drainage system.

A safe racing surface is paramount for both horse and rider and the government has committed to working with Racing Victoria and Country Racing Victoria to provide top class racetracks across the state.

Due to the extensive works involved, Benalla’s upcoming race meetings have been transferred to Echuca on 19 April, Kilmore on 14 May and Wodonga on 31 May.