Works see Pinjarra race ahead

16/05/06
Works to construct a new sand track and ambulance track at Pinjarra Racecourse have been given the go-ahead by the Carpenter Government.
Racing and Gaming Minister Mark McGowan said Stages Two and Three of the Pinjarra Racecourse upgrade would also see further irrigation and drainage works at the track and the course proper reconstructed and widened to a constant 24m.
Mr McGowan said the Carpenter Government had allocated $1.65million to the project, bringing the State Government contribution to a total of $2.5million.
"In September last year, I announced $876,000 for Stage One works, which was the first project to be funded through the State Government's $25million regional racecourse infrastructure grants program," he said.
The Stage One development, which was completed in late 2005, included works to improve the drainage system on the main track, upgrades to the irrigation system and extensions to the jockeys' and stewards' rooms.
"The completion of Stages Two and Three will result in a greatly improved track that will extend the Pinjarra racing season into the wetter months," the Minister said.
"This is an important strategy for the racing industry, particularly with the planned closure of Belmont Park."
The new sand track, which will be complete by the end of July, will provide a training surface for use by local trainers while the course proper is out of action in 2007.
In April 2007, the reconstruction and widening of the main grass track will be undertaken as a single exercise and it is expected that the track will be ready to resume racing in December 2007 - January 2008.
Proposed Stage Four, which will involve the drainage and other upgrades to the public areas needed for winter racing, will be considered for funding in 2007.
Minister's office: 9222 9111