Kyneton racecourse will receive revolutionary new running rails to improve racetrack safety, Deputy Premier and Racing Minister Rob Hulls said today as he officially opened a $150,000 upgrade of the sand jog track.
Mr Hulls said the two projects recognised the importance of Kyneton NMIT Park to the local racing industry and reaffirmed the Brumby Labor Government’s commitment to country racing and racetrack safety.
Kyneton is one of 25 regional and rural racing clubs to share in $2.3 million in funding for the new rails that will add to Victoria’s reputation as running one of the best racing industries in the world.
Mr Hulls said Kyneton would receive $70,000 to install 1820 metres of plastic running rails, which were invented by Mordialloc plumber Dan Mawby and featured on the ABC program The New Inventors last year.
“Kyneton is the second club to receive funding for the new plastic running rails that will ensure the highest standard of safety for race participants anywhere in Australia,” Mr Hulls said.
“The safety of jockeys and horses is paramount to a healthy racing industry and the Mawsafe rails reduce the risk to both rider and horse significantly with the horizontal plastic rail elevating, springing and bending on contact.”
Mr Hulls said the $150,000 jog track at Kyneton racecourse had been realigned to improve drainage and a new sand surface installed, providing a softer surface for training horses than turf.
“Kyneton produces about 1100 starters in races each year, which is why the Brumby Labor Government has funded both of these projects in conjunction with Racing Victoria Limited (RVL) and Country Racing Victoria (CRV),” Mr Hulls said.