Planning is well under way for a big season of racing at Benalla Racing Club, with an action-packed Gold Cup set to return to the track in September.
And the club’s distant future is looking just as bright.
Victorian Racing Minister Anthony Carbines joined club officials and members at Benalla Racing Club last Thursday to announce funding for the construction of a new stable complex.
The state government have allocated more than $239,000 from the Victorian Racing Industry Fund to the project, with the club set to contribute more than $299,000 and Racing Victoria $59,000.
The stables will be fitted out to accommodate 20 horses, with an undercover horse walking area and new facilities for training staff also set to be constructed.
The rent from the stable complex is expected to offer the club a new income stream, with the aim of securing its financial future.
Benalla Racing Club president Greg McNulty said the funding was sure to benefit both trainers renting out stables at the complex, and the club itself.
“Our local trainers have been asking about accommodation for some time and the club will benefit from extra revenue — it’s a win-win development and I’m grateful for the government’s support,” he said.
Benalla Racing Club hosts 11 race meetings and six trial meetings annually and is a large contributor to the local economy.
The project is set to be completed by November.