Breeding & Racing Magazine

SA Govt $11m For New Gawler & Morphettville Tracks

The South Australian government will provide an $11 million injection for the state's racing industry in its upcoming budget: $6 million for the redevelopment of Gawler racecourse & $5m for a 2nd track at Morphettville. Thoroughbred Racing SA chairman Philip Bentley said the announcement marked a "watershed" in cooperation between the State Government & the racing industry, noting: "This is an historic day for South Australian racing & represents the springboard we need to propel the sport into a sustainable & successful long-term future. This funding ensures that Allan Scott Park Morphettville will take the next step as South Australia's premier racing venue, while the redevelopment of Gawler will establish it as Adelaide's 2nd metropolitan racecourse following the industry's decision to leave Victoria Park." Work on the new Gawler track will begin in February 2009, with racing expected to resume 12 months later. The 2nd turf track at Morphettville will enable the SAJC to conduct up to 65 race meetings a year; work on this new track is expected to commence in October.