Echuca’s new-look track will be unveiled tomorrow night as the club hosts an eight-race program.
The 800-metre track has undergone a $425,000 makeover with its elevation increased from 6 to 12 per cent, while new fencing was also part of the project.
HRV CEO John Anderson said the Echuca upgrades were part of a wider plan to improve tracks across Victoria, with feedback from the industry regarding the recent Warragul track redevelopment overwhelmingly positive.
Anderson added that both the Mildura and Horsham tracks would be significantly upgraded in coming months.
“Upgrades such as the works at Echuca and Warragul give our industry participants increased confidence racing on these important country tracks,” Anderson said.
“The works are part of an overall plan to develop further regional tracks with Mildura and Horsham next in line.
“The Echuca track looks fantastic and it will certainly make for quality racing.
“We also recognise the support of the Andrews Government for this project.”
Association of Victorian Country Harness Racing Clubs CEO David Brick and Echuca club president Robert Height welcomed the upgrade.
“It (the revamp) will be a great asset to our club because better horses will come here to race … which means faster racing,” Height said.
Brick said the Goulburn Murray region offered the Victorian harness racing industry the highest participation rates, employment and volume of racing annually.
“The Echuca track upgrade, co-funded by the club, HRV and the Victorian State Government recognises the importance of the region following previous upgrades at Shepparton and Cobram,” Brick said.
“It also provides a point of difference as it is a half-mile track.
“The Echuca trots during summer – particularly on New Year’s Night – provide the industry an opportunity to showcase our industry to the thousands of holidaymakers in the region.”
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