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Melbourne Cup winning trainer Danny O’Brien will establish stables at Geelong in addition to his bases at Thirteenth Beach and Flemington, thanks to a major investment in new facilities by the Andrews Labor Government.
Melbourne Cup winning trainer Danny O'Brien will establish stables at Geelong in addition to his bases at Thirteenth Beach and Flemington, thanks to a major investment in new facilities by the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Racing Martin Pakula announced the project today, with the Government investing more than $660,000 from the Victorian Racing Industry Fund towards the construction of two new barns for 40 horses at Geelong racecourse, complete with wash bays, tie-up stalls, a horse walker and solar power.
The Geelong Racing Club is matching the funding, taking the project value to more than $1.3 million. The commitment to the Geelong Racing Club made by one of Victoria's leading trainers is a testament to the work of the club and highlights the area's standing as a premier training centre.
The work will be carried out by local firm Plan Group, generating around 20 jobs during construction, with the project expected to be completed later this year.
The ongoing training operation will support up to 20 jobs and provide a significant boost to local racing industry suppliers.
The funding follows a recent investment by the Labor Government to support the $145,000 upgrade of 60 existing on-course stables at Geelong, as well as the track's float carpark.
Since 2014, the Labor Government has approved more than $3.5 million to support 19 infrastructure projects and 14 events at the Geelong racecourse.
The thoroughbred racing industry in the Geelong region generates more than $95 million for the Victorian economy each year and helps sustain over 780 full-time-equivalent jobs.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Racing Martin Pakula
"This is a significant investment in the future of Geelong as a training centre and a provider of jobs in training and supply chain businesses."
"That these new stables have already been secured is a major vote of confidence in the Geelong racing industry and the vision of the Geelong Racing Club."
Quotes attributable to Member for Geelong Christine Couzens
"The Geelong Racing Club is an integral part of our region as a generator of income and jobs and also as a community drawcard."
"I'm thrilled that we have been able to help this great community club as it goes from strength to strength."
Quote attributable to Geelong Racing Club president Peter Murrihy
"This investment is a real win-win for the club, securing a steady income stream and boosting our profile – we're grateful for the Victorian Government's support."
