Premier of Victoria and Minister for Racing Denis Napthine has announced a $4.9 million investment to construct on-course stables at the Cranbourne Training Complex.

Dr Napthine said the funding would assist the Cranbourne Turf Club to meet the overwhelming demand for on-course thoroughbred stabling at the training complex.

“The Cranbourne Training Complex is the largest thoroughbred training facility in the southern hemisphere,” Dr Napthine said.

“During the 2013-14 racing season, the complex had 139 licensed trainers with 1,444 horses in training, which is a huge number.

“Demand for on-course stabling is high with around 800 horses using the complex each day, and only 462 tie-up stalls, creating enormous logistical difficulties.

“This investment will provide four individual stable sites with a capacity of 261 horses.

“Each stable site will have a separate tie-up stalls area and a mezzanine floor with office space and a viewing balcony overlooking the training tracks. Two 10-horse walkers will be installed at each site along with tack rooms, sand rolls, feed stores, medical and bathroom facilities,” Dr Napthine said.

Neil Bainbridge, Chief Executive Officer, Cranbourne Turf Club, said the club was delighted with the funding support from the Napthine Government.

“The stabling project is critical for thoroughbred racing in Cranbourne and provides a significant boost to trainers looking to relocate on course,” Mr Bainbridge said.

Jamie McGuiness, Racing Victoria Executive General Manager Infrastructure & Club Support, thanked the Napthine Government for the funding that will enable the continued development of the facility.

“At present there is a shortage of tie-up stalls at the complex and this project will provide extra stabling which means as many as 250 horses can be housed on-site, allowing more trainers to work directly from the facility,” Mr McGuiness said.

Construction is expected to commence in December and be completed by May 2015.

Overall investment in the stabling project is $4,934,495, with the Victorian Government contributing $979,800 through the Victorian Racing Industry Fund, and the Cranbourne Turf Club providing the balance of $3,954,695.

Dr Napthine made the announcement at today’s official opening of the Cranbourne Racing Centre’s new $4.14 million function venue, which was jointly funded by the Victorian Government and the racing industry.

The 400-seat function venue features tiered raceday dining for 150 patrons, a fully enclosed grandstand with glass panels, expanded hospitality facilities, new amenities for members and guests (bars, dining room, tote outlets) and 500 car parking spaces.

Dr Napthine said the Cranbourne Racing Centre was an economic driver in the City of Casey, and the opening of the function venue would create 55 full-time and casual jobs, along with the 60 jobs created during the construction of the on-course stables.

“The function venue and on-course stabling enhances the Cranbourne Racing Centre’s reputation as a truly world class racing and training facility. It is important to the local economy, employing 380 people in full-time, part-time and casual roles across the three racing clubs, the two training sites and other facilities,” Dr Napthine said.

Cranbourne hosts over 100 thoroughbred, harness and greyhound race meetings each year and in March 2012 became only the second Victorian venue to host thoroughbred night racing.

Dr Napthine said the Government’s Victorian Racing Industry Fund enables Victoria’s racing industry to improve facilities at racing and training venues and to stimulate industry growth and development.

“The racing industry provides an economic benefit of $2.8 billion to Victoria, with more than 114,000 participants in the industry,” Dr Napthine said.