Monday, 1 October 2018

The Andrews Labor Government is upgrading infrastructure at the Sale Greyhound Racing Club and helping bring together racing enthusiasts from across East Gippsland for the most celebrated event on the racing calendar.

The Labor Government is providing more than $68,000 towards three infrastructure upgrades, as well as almost $19,000 from its Victorian Racing Industry Fund towards six greyhound race day events at Sale, as part of a joint funding package worth more than $188,000.

A range of track upgrades saw a CCTV system installed in the kennel block in late 2017 and the catching pen in early 2018, as part of a joint effort with Greyhound Racing Victoria to improve integrity and animal welfare.

A new public address system was also installed in June 2018, replacing outdated and obsolete equipment.

Sale racecourse will be decked out for Spring Racing Carnival at the 2018 Melbourne Cup Day on Tuesday 6 November. The club will bring in a big screen for the day, ensuring that patrons have full coverage of the racing from Flemington as well as the local program.

Both adults and children can take part in the ‘Fashions on the Field’ competition to win a share of prizes, including accommodation packages, flowers and vouchers.

Senior racegoers can look forward to a series of five “Love Our Seniors” race meetings on four Sunday evenings and one Thursday afternoon from 7–28 October.

Along with live music from the Rusty Rockers, patrons can purchase a subsidised dining package and will have the opportunity to win a range of prizes and giveaways.

The club is providing more than $33,000 towards the race day events and Greyhound Racing Victoria is contributing more than $68,000 towards the three infrastructure projects.

Since 2014, the Labor Government has provided almost $280,000 to support four infrastructure projects and 14 greyhound racing events for the Sale & District Greyhound Racing Club.

The racing industry in the East Gippsland region generates more than $49 million for the Victorian economy annually and helps to sustain more than 490 full-time equivalent jobs locally.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“The track upgrades at Sale are part of our partnership with Greyhound Racing Victoria to deliver quality infrastructure and improve animal welfare across the greyhound racing industry.”

Quotes attributable to Sale & District Greyhound Racing Club Manager Des Dooley

“We’re grateful for these joint infrastructure investments, which will improve the race day experience at Sale and supports our commitment to animal welfare as a key priority.”

“Our 2018 Melbourne Cup Day gives local racegoers and families the chance to take part in the excitement of the nation’s greatest race.”