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Flemington’s current dirt training tracks will be replaced by a synthetic equivalent to be completed by May.

Stage one of the project will cost $1.5 million.

The works will be funded from three sources with $624,000 coming from the Victorian Government and the same amount from Racing Victoria. The Victoria Racing Club will contribute the remaining $312,000.

"The new, all-weather synthetic track will ensure that Australia's premier racing destination continues to provide world class training facilities,” said Victoria’s Racing Minister Martin Pakula.

The current dirt track will be replaced with a synthetic surface which will be used for trials and jump outs as well as training.

The new track will provide a more forgiving surface for horses and will also reduce the training load on Flemington’s grass tracks.

VRC chief executive Neil Wilson said the synthetic surface is a significant addition to Flemington’s facilities.

“Approximately 600 horses utilise Flemington’s training facilities every day. It is important these facilities continue to be among the finest in Australia,” Wilson said.

“This new track will provide an all-weather surface that will enable us to hold jump outs when our grass training tracks are unavailable due to wet weather.

“The project will also reduce the amount of water required to maintain the new synthetic surface compared to the existing dirt track.”