mmg.com.au

A grant of $55000 to assist Cobram Harness Racing Club purchase a new water truck will mean a safer track, Nationals Member for Murray Valley Tim McCurdy has announced.

Mr McCurdy said the cash help, jointly provided by the Victorian Government and Harness Racing Victoria, would help the club replace the old truck — which has seen years of service.

‘‘This will assist in keeping Cobram’s harness track in top notch condition through improved track watering and is great news for the club and for the harness racing industry,’’ Mr McCurdy said.

Cobram Harness Racing club secretary and manager Bob Watson said it was ‘‘wonderful’’ news for the club.

‘‘It means we don’t have to hire the Shepparton water truck for every race meeting,’’ Mr Watson said.

‘‘The new track, since it was upgraded three or four years ago, needs a lot of water to keep it free from dust.’’

Mr McCurdy said improved track watering was important for two reasons — firstly, by vastly improving the even coverage of water to the track, an even and safe surface for both horses and their driversis provided; and secondly, the watering makes sure the dust is settled after races are complete.

Mr McCurdy said harness racing was a vital part of Cobram and the north-east region both as a sport and as a vital economic contributor and employer, including close to 800 trainers and breeders. Among these are some of Australia’s biggest and most successful stud farms.

‘‘The Cobram Cup held between Christmas and New Year’s Eve is an enormously popular local event which always attracts a great line-up of experienced Cup horses alongside up and coming stars,’’ Mr McCurdy said.

Racing Minister Denis Napthine said the Victorian Government was pleased to work with HRV to ensure investment in infrastructure and equipment at country harness racing tracks including modern mobile barriers.

‘‘Country harness racing is an important industry for our state contributing more than $140million a year to the economy and employing thousands in regional cities and country towns,’’ Dr Napthine said.

‘‘That is why the Coalition Government assists the industry in investing in infrastructure and attracting more people to the track to see this great sport.’’

HRV chief executive John Anderson said the industry was grateful for state government support for country harness racing clubs.

‘‘Harness Racing Victoria has invested heavily in its infrastructure in the past decade, however it is equally important to provide the equipment to maintain these facilities,’’ Mr Anderson said.