THE region's trainers are set to benefit from a $600,000 upgrade to a vital training facility thanks to the state government.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Announced on Friday, the funds will be going toward a complete overhaul of the Tamworth Jockey Club's sand practice track.
The upgrade will allow local trainers such as Sue Grills, Cody Morgan and Melanie O'Gorman a facility to train their horses, without impacting the club's racecourse.
Read Also:
Tamworth Jockey Club general manager Mitch Shaw said the project was currently in the planning stages.
"Design specifications are still being finalised, which could take anywhere from three months to six months," Shaw said.
"However, we are looking to kick it off as soon as possible. As a club, we are grateful for this funding, it's a huge announcement and I know our trainers are over the moon with this."
Shaw said the practice track was "a must have" for local trainers.
"It's been on our wish list for a few years now and we've tried numerous different aspects to try and get this rectified," he said.
"However, without getting a designed stabilised base we've always fallen short.
"This funding will allow us to get an engineered base, the right sand specifications and give the trainers a safe working environment."
Tamworth MP and NSW minister for racing Kevin Anderson said safety was a top priority.
"As the minister for safe work, I'm all about safe work and in the racing industry, safety sits at the top of everything we do," Mr Anderson said.
"Redeveloping the sand track will provide very good training facilities, a very good surface and a safe surface.
"I am delighted to say that with the support of funding from Racing NSW, we'll be able to give the sand track a $600,000 face lift."
Mr Anderson said the upgrade would continue to strengthen Tamworth's claim as one of the best facilities in the region.
"The Tamworth racecourse has always been one of the busiest in country NSW and produces around 1900 trained starters every year," he said.
"This upgrade of the sand track will better enable Tamworth trainers to continue to produce winners in this region and throughout NSW."
The club will now turn its attention to the upcoming Country Championships qualifier meeting on March 8.
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
