HORSHAM Greyhound Racing Track has officially re-opened since undergoing a $800,000 redevelopment.
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Horsham Greyhound Racing president and trainer Ian Bibby said the upgrade had been beneficial to greyhound racing and trainers have already seen improvements to the greyhounds’ speed.
“Trainers have commented on how the track has come up,” he said. “People are now bypassing larger cities like Ballarat to race in Horsham.”
Horsham Greyhound Racing club manager Justin Brilliant said the transition to the new track had been smooth.
“It’s more spacious and lends itself to less interference,” he said.
Mr Brilliant said the trainers were happy with the upgrade and the greyhounds were holding their line well.
The redevelopment included widening the track, increasing the camber on bends to provide smooth transitions and reduce crowing and potential inference and the replacement of the lure and safety rail and installation of a new braking lure motor.
It has also included the replacement of the track surface, upgraded irrigation and electrical systems and the addition of new perimeter fencing, head-on cameras, drop-on boxes and starting boxes.
Mr Brilliant said majority of the redevelopment was done by Wimmera contractors and as such showcased the skills and knowledge base in the region.
He said it was good to see Greyhound Racing Victoria investing in the Horsham community by providing the infrastructure that the industry needs.
Greyhound Racing Victoria board member Emmett Dunne said racing was an integral part of the Wimmera.
“Overall, the greyhound racing industry contributes about $3.5 million directly and indirectly to the Wimmera’s economy each year,” he said. “We take tremendous pride in giving back to communities and helping those who might need a helping hand, which is why the TAB Great Chase is such an important part of the opening celebrations.”
In addition to the $800,000 project, upgrades totalling $400,000 have been done at the track.
Greyhound racing resumed on August 1.
The 43-year-old track was closed in October to bring the track up to an appropriate standard. Races are now run over 410 metres and 485 metres with a possible 675-metre start to be introduced.