Cranbourne Turf Club will contribute $2.6 million and the Andrews Government $2 million to construct a new world-class equine veterinary clinic and hospital.
The Cranbourne Training Centre in Melbourne’s south-east is the largest training centre in the southern hemisphere, with more than 1200 horses in training each day. The hospital will provide the thoroughbred and harness racing industry in the southeast with access to world-class diagnostic equipment, including X-ray and ultrasound machinery, a bone scanner and standing CT equine imaging.
This technology can identify increased injury risk in horses and assist trainers and vets to manage training and racing loads to reduce the risk of limb injuries.
“We know this investment will make all the difference for horses, owners and trainers, who can now access world-class diagnostic and treatment facilities,” Cranbourne Turf Club CEO Neil Bainbridge said. “We thank the Victorian Government for continuing to support the welfare of the racing industry.”
In addition to enhancing animal welfare outcomes through diagnostic imaging technology, the project will also provide access to specialist veterinary care for the 1200 horses based at Cranbourne as well as another 800 trained at nearby centres at Pakenham and Mornington.
The new buildings will be constructed next to the existing stabling area, without impacting current racing or training activities. Construction is expected to begin soon and be completed in 2024.
Cranbourne Turf Club and Cranbourne Harness Racing Club conduct 52 race meetings and 15 trial meetings each year.
Minister for Racing Anthony Carbines visited the centre to announce that the Victoria Government will contribute $2m from the Victorian Racing Industry Fund towards the project.
“We are always looking to improve animal welfare for our horses,” Carbines said. “The construction of a new equine veterinary hospital at Cranbourne will provide access to first-class diagnostic equipment and quality care for the horses.”
Member for Cranbourne Pauline Richards said the centre is a significant win for the entire racing community in the southeast.
“Having world-class treatment facilities on-course at Cranbourne is a game-changer for trainers and animals alike,” she said.