Harness racing coming to Swan Hill
Fri 8 April 2011
Minister for Racing Denis Napthine has announced funding for a new state-of-the-art harness racing track which will see harness racing for the first time at Swan Hill.
Dr Napthine visited the Swan Hill Racecourse today to announce the $3.5 million project, which is expected to increase racing opportunities in the region.
“This is a major investment in regional racing and will make the Swan Hill Racecourse a premier sporting and community hub,” Dr Napthine said.
The project will be the new home of the Nyah District Harness Racing Club. It will deliver a state-of-the-art 1040-metre harness racing track similar in size to Tabcorp Park Melton, along with night racing under environmentally sustainable lighting.
The local racing community has been calling for revitalised facilities and Swan Hill Racecourse is the perfect location for attracting good crowds and strong fields.
Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) Chairman Ken Latta said they have partnered with the Government on this vital project.
“The Mallee region of Victoria is a provincial harness racing stronghold and HRV believes it is of vital importance to continue strengthening the sport in this region,” Mr Latta said.
“That’s why HRV will be matching the State Government of Victoria’s contribution of $1.8 million which will assist Nyah Harness Racing Club’s successful relocation to Swan Hill.
"A healthy harness racing industry is important to the local community which is home to many trainers, owners and drivers,” Mr Latta said.
The move to Swan Hill will be a fillip for the local area and a catalyst for the growth of harness racing in the region, with the move boosting the local economy and creating new jobs and opportunities for Swan Hill and the district.
The project will include construction of the 1040-metre harness racing track, the installation of environmentally sustainable lighting for night racing, safety fencing, signage, stewards’ towers and starting and race timing mechanisms.
Construction is expected to commence in early 2012 and be completed in September 2012, ahead of the first planned harness race in October.
