Tuesday 10.01.2012
The Kilmore races are set to go alfresco this year with the Victorian Coalition Government announcing funding for a brand new outdoor café area to add to the amenity of one of regional Victoria’s premier racing venues.
(L-R) Minister for Racing – Dr Denise Napthine, Member for Seymour – Ms Cindy McLeish, Chairman of Kilmore Racing Club – Mr Lawrie Boyd and Chairman of Harness Racing Victoria – Mr Ken Latta.
Minister for Racing Denis Napthine said the $150,000 project was an ideal way to commemorate the club’s 150th anniversary celebrations.
“The extension of Trackside Café will be the first event-facility of its kind in Kilmore, with open pavilion dining to be situated right next to the racetrack,” Dr Napthine said.
“Racegoers will soon be able to enjoy a meal in a unique outdoor setting while experiencing all the excitement and atmosphere of the races only metre from their table,” Dr Napthine said.
The project will include the construction of a new roof extending six meters from the existing trackside building for the alfresco area, with heating, air-conditioning, new outdoor furniture and eight television screens installed to add to the comfort for patrons.
Member for Seymour Cindy McLeish said after drainage damage caused extensive disruption to thoroughbred racing at Kilmore throughout 2011, the latest announcement would kick-start a more positive 2012 for the club.
“The Kilmore Racing Club is an integral part of the local community, both socially and economically. It hosts 14 thoroughbred and 33 harness meetings a year, creating many jobs within the region,” Ms McLeish said.
“This is why the Coalition Government has not only invested $150,000 in this exciting new project, but has also jointly funded $900,000 worth of track repairs with Racing Victoria, in order to further enhance racing in Kilmore.”
Kilmore Racing Club Chief Executive Officer John Cameron said the project would reduce the need to erect temporary marquees while improving the club’s ongoing profitability.
“This project significantly increases the undercover viewing area at Kilmore Racing Club to accommodate more than 300 race day patrons for both harness and thoroughbred racing, and providing a premier viewing,” Mr Cameron said.
“The Club is deeply indebted to the Government for its ongoing support of country racing for both codes.”
The project is a joint initiative with the Coalition Government and the Kilmore Racing Club each contributing $75,000.