Werribee is set to welcome international horses for this year’s Spring Racing Carnival, with a $1.3 million training track now complete.

The Andrews Labor Government has provided funding for the installation of a new CLOPF® training track for international runners during quarantine in Melbourne.

Visiting the Werribee International Horse Centre today, Minister for Racing Martin Pakula said the track is a crucial part of racing infrastructure in Victoria, playing home to international horses being quarantined ahead of their racing duties.

International horses housed at Werribee have had great success in recent years including last year’s Melbourne Cup winner Protectionist, Caulfield Cup winner Admire Rakti and Cox Plate victor, Adelaide.

Victoria has seen a major increase in interest from overseas trainers, especially during the Spring Racing Carnival, putting extra pressure on the resources at Werribee Racecourse.

The Spring Racing Carnival alone generates over $600 million in economic benefit each year and attracts around 700,000 racegoers to race meetings in Melbourne and regional Victoria.

The Government through the VRIF and Racing Victoria have each provided $650,000.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Racing Martin Pakula

“Victoria has international appeal as a racing destination. With Australia’s strict quarantine laws, it’s crucial that we provide international trainers world-class facilities while they’re here.”

“Werribee Racing Club has been providing excellent facilities for training. Given the racecourse hosts six meetings of its own, including the popular Werribee Cup, it’s important that a world-class training track be built for our international competitors.”

“The upgrade means facilities at the Werribee centre are now comparable to those in Dubai and Hong Kong.”

Quotes attributable to Racing Victoria

“The new CLOPF® track is a fantastic enhancement that will provide appropriate facilities for the international horses travelling to Victoria for our premier races in spring and autumn, whilst helping to manage the workload on Werribee’s turf track.”

“Such a move will allow the turf course to remain in optimum condition for the race meetings programmed at Werribee, particularly across the summer period which is headlined by the all-important Werribee Cup meeting on Sunday, 13 December.”

“I would like to thank the Andrews Government for their important contribution and ongoing support of the Victorian Racing Industry through the Victorian Racing Infrastructure Fund.”