After an initial delay, the redevelopment of the greyhound racing track, will begin trialling at the start of June. 

Horsham Greyhound Club manager Justin Brilliant said it the works were progressing well. 

“We are about five weeks from completing construction,” he said. 

“Originally we would have started work earlier. 

“We started a bit behind the eight-ball.” 

There was several reasons behind the redevelopment of the track with the main aspect being to increase greyhound welfare. 

Initially, the track was flagged for an upgrade – but a study by Greyhound Racing Victoria and the University of Technology Sydney raised issues with the overall engineering of the traditional greyhound track. 

Brilliant said the multi-million dollar construction would widen and pressurise the track.

“It will be widened and re-aligned,” he said.

“Our track is known to be a bit of a bottle neck. It has been improved now.”

The Horsham track is the first to receive the upgrade.

“It will improve racing and hopefully attract more trainers to the area,” Brilliant said.

“It will also help control breeding because dogs will be able to race for a longer lifespan. There won’t be an overpopulation of greyhounds.”

A large majority of the reconstruction had been completed by Wimmera contractors and Brilliant said it was a credit to them.

“They have done a very good and quick job,” he said.

With the new track the Horsham Greyhound Club will be hosting 15 to 20 more racing meets a year. The number will jump from 50 meetings to about 70 meetings a year. 

“We have also secured Saturday and Sunday meets so everyone can come along and enjoy the racing,” Brilliant said. “It will benefit everyone.”