The Cessnock Racecourse is galloping into more than $11.5 million worth of upgrades, courtesy of the NSW Government.

The funding will enable the construction of 300 extra stables and an additional synthetic training track.

Racing NSW chairman Russell Balding AO said the industry was very grateful for the government’s $67 million investment in regional areas.

“The announcement will not only ensure the ongoing sustainability of racing in Cessnock,” he explained.

“But, it’ll also allow local trainers to compete with their provincial and city-based counterparts on an equal footing in respect of access to modern training infrastructure and facilities.

“That, in turn, will enable country horses to be more competitive.”

NSW Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation and the Minister Responsible for Racing, Kevin Anderson, said the Hunter was home to some of the best thoroughbred racing in the world.

“Now, thanks to the NSW Government, Cessnock will have access to first-class training facilities with new stables and a work-track for training horses at the Racecourse Road facility,” he added.

“Earlier this year the NSW Government announced the single biggest investment in regional racing.

“So, I am pleased to announce that Cessnock Racecourse will receive significant upgrades as part of that funding.

“The racing industry is the backbone of many regional communities, contributing more than $3.5 billion annually to the NSW economy and acting as a significant employer for in excess of 6,700 people in the Hunter.”

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Taylor Martin also welcomed the news.

“Cessnock will have some of the best training facilities in Australia,” he said.

“Friday’s announcement, along with the government’s investment in tracks at Muswellbrook and Scone, brings the overall investment to more than $35 million in regional racing infrastructure in the Hunter.

“There will be significant flow-on effects of these upgrades for Cessnock as people flock to town for the races, staying in local hotels, eating at local cafe, and shopping locally.

“This is the single largest investment by the NSW Government in racing infrastructure.

“It is great to have secured such a significant investment for Cessnock – and the local community.”

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