The Central West racing industry is set for a growth boost with the completion of 20 new stables and a wash bay at Dubbo Turf Club following a $318,000 injection by the NSW Government.
Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders joined the club’s general manager Vince Gordon and president Chris Davis to officially open the new complex which was funded by the NSW Government’s COVID-19 stimulus program.
“Racing was one of the sports that managed to keep going through the absolute worst of the pandemic, and that was because of the strict biosecurity protocols that were followed by participants,” Mr Saunders said.
“The sport has been thriving in our region and while that is great for trainers and jockeys, that also means great things for vets, farriers, trackwork riders, strappers, stockfeed suppliers and so many others in our community.
“More stables at the club means more horses that can be in work, and more business for those involved in the industry.”
The stimulus project was overseen by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment – Crown Lands.
Dubbo Turf Club general manager Vince Gordon said the new stables provided both infrastructure improvements and employment opportunities.
“We had many different tradespeople working on the stables at different times from concreters to builders, electricians, plumbers and fencers,” Mr Gordon said.
“Not only has this investment supported employment during construction but it will also support more work for track riders and stable hands.
“Having more horses trained on track allows us to continue our ongoing development as not only a spectacular racing track, but also a significant training centre.
“We had over 2,000 trained starters last year, and that helps the whole region because if we didn’t have horses being trained out of Dubbo, places like Coonamble, Warren, Narromine and Wellington wouldn’t have the same population to draw from.
“Those towns are all going very well and racing is really thriving, and that comes from the level of investment we’ve seen from the NSW Government and Racing NSW.”
Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said the COVID-19 stimulus program was supporting regional infrastructure and jobs right across the State.
“Racecourses are popular and important contributors to regional communities, their economies and social calendars so this investment is a morale booster.”
