THE Board of Racing Victoria (RV) has expressed its strong support for securing the future of Yarra Valley Racing as the Club faces the major challenge of restoring the racecourse in the wake of five flood inundations since September last year.
RV is working closely with the Club, Country Racing Victoria (CRV) and the Victorian Government in an effort to find a solution to protect the Yarra Valley Racing Centre from further floods.
“Yarra Valley Racing is one of the most successful event managers in regional Australia. This is well recognised as the Club has won the Victorian Country Racing Club of the Year on a record three consecutive occasions as well as being awarded the Event of the Year in 2010,” RV Chief Executive, Rob Hines, said.
“We are determined to safeguard this jewel of country racing and get the Club racing again as soon as possible.
“The Minister for Racing, Denis Napthine, is taking an important leadership role in helping the Club tackle the challenge and is facilitating discussions with Melbourne Water to find solutions to mitigate future flood risk.
“At the same time, Racing Victoria is scoping the options for repairing the course proper
including the possibility of a total track reconstruction.
“Once both of these tasks are completed, everyone will be in a much better position to identify a way forward.”
CRV Chief Executive, Scott Whiteman, praised the chorus of support for Yarra Valley saying, “We are delighted that everyone is working together to secure Yarra Valley’s long term future and are confident that we can get the Club back as a premier country racing venue as soon as possible.”
In the meantime, as a reward for the patience of the many members of Yarra Valley Racing, the Melbourne Racing Club (MRC) has generously agreed to grant reciprocal rights to the membership until thoroughbred racing returns to Yarra Valley.
This means that Yarra Valley members will be able to enjoy free entry and access to the
members’ enclosure of Caulfield, Betfair Park (Sandown) and Mornington.
MRC Chief Executive, Alasdair Robertson, said, “Yarra Valley has been a very unlucky victim of the State’s recent flood events and we are pleased to make this offer to help keep the loyal local members actively involved in racing club membership.”
Yarra Valley Racing Chairman, Barry Coulthard, said in response, “It has been a very tough time for all concerned at Yarra Valley Racing, however it is comforting to know that we have the full support of both the Government and the racing industry.
“We are sure that together we can put in place a plan that will allow Yarra Valley Racing to
prosper well into the future.”
Training is no longer possible at Yarra Valley due to the loss of the sand track, which was
washed away in flooding prior to Christmas. Local trainers have been advised that it won’t be replaced and have been offered assistance with alternate arrangements.
RACING VICTORIA MEDIA RELEASE
Media Contact: Shaun Kelly – Racing Victoria Communications Manager
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