A joint investment by the Victorian Coalition Government and the racing industry will finally give jockeys at the Tambo Valley races their own rooms.
Tambo Valley Racing Club Secretary, Kate Commins, said the club is always looking at ways to improve its facilities and it is a fantastic result for jockeys to now have their own dedicated changing rooms, bringing to an end a 118 year old problem.
“The club is gearing up for its Easter Sunday meeting and is encouraging all East Gippsland residents to come along to the races and enjoy a great day out with the family,” she said.
Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, said the picturesque racecourse was one of the best places to go to the races in all of Australia, but the provision of adequate facilities for jockeys was well overdue.
“The new changing rooms will include showers and toilets giving participating jockeys greater comfort and privacy as they prepare for the next race or come back after the last ride,” Mr Bull said. “The Victorian Government has contributed $12,316 to the works, with the funding matched with a joint contribution from Country Racing Victoria and the Tambo Valley Racing Club.
“It’s important that all our racetracks, both big and small, are safe and comfortable venues for all users particularly our brave and hard-working jockeys. That is a key reason why these improvements will be undertaken at this very iconic racecourse,” Mr Bull said.
Country Racing Victoria Chief Executive Officer, Scott Whiteman, said the support from the Victorian Government would provide added safety for horses, jockeys and industry participants and will enable racegoers to enjoy a day out at the picnic races.
“In addition, local businesses will be involved in some of the projects and as such those local communities will benefit,” Mr Whiteman said.
Premier and Minister for Racing, Denis Napthine, said grants such as this helped to grow Victoria’s racing industry, a vital lynchpin of the State’s regional economy.
“The Victorian Coalition Government is committed to supporting and growing country racing which is worth $729 million to the state’s rural and regional economy and employs 27,000 country Victorians,” Dr Napthine said.