General News
8 October, 2020
Racing club completes facility upgrade
WHILE patrons will not be allowed to attend this year’s Mortlake Cup, the Mortlake Racing Club has been working hard behind the scenes to prepare its venue as though they would be attending.
WHILE patrons will not be allowed to attend this year’s Mortlake Cup, the Mortlake Racing Club has been working hard behind the scenes to prepare its venue as though they would be attending.
The club has continued to pour time and effort into presenting the facility as best as possible and has upgraded the flooring of the Geoff MacDonald Pavilion.
Sixty two cubic metres of concrete has been poured in the pavilion, where the club normally stages its betting ring, TAB facility and bar on race day.
Mortlake Racing Club president Bruce Redpath said the project was completed in mid-September by local tradesmen.
“One of the main reasons it was updated was because it was a rough surface like outside which wasn’t user friendly,” he said.
“If you want people to dress up and enjoy the day, you have to ensure they have a comfortable environment to do it in.
“It now provides a space that can be utilised regardless of the weather and people can quite comfortably walk into it.”
Mortlake Racecourse Reserve Committee of Management secretary Mick Murphy said the racing club had worked hard to build its race day over the years, which in turn allowed them to update its facilities.
“It’s a credit to the Mortlake Racing Club to keep the facilities up to standard,” he said.
“Bruce and the racing club have done well the past few years to get the race day up to 3000 patrons – going back 10 years it was only getting 1000.
“Moyne Shire Council has made a significant contribution as have Country Racing Victoria and the Mortlake Racing Club to the project.
“There’s also been a lot of community volunteer work and strong support from a range of sponsors like Mortlake Premix and numerous others who have kept the show going.”
Mr Redpath thanked Moyne Shire Council, Mortlake Premix and Mortlake Racecourse Reserve Committee of Management, Mick Murphy, Frank Meade, Basil Riordan, Chas Turn, Rod Anders and team and Bob Case for their support and contributions towards the project.
He said the club’s committee was now working towards presenting the venue in immaculate condition for its annual race day on November 1.