A $2.9 million development to add a training centre for harness racing at Bathurst Paceway is now under way, with crews well into the construction process.
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Deputy premier and member for Bathurst Paul Toole visited the home of the Bathurst Harness Racing Club in College Road to check on progress on the development which he says will be a game-changer for the sport in the region.
Mr Toole said harness racing is a much loved industry in NSW and Bathurst is the home of the sport in this state, hosting 56 race meetings annually.
"The centre will be an enormous boost for our community, creating around 30 jobs and the construction of permanent stabling for up to 60 horses, as well as a training track and day paddocks."
- Paul Toole
"Bathurst is one of the biggest hubs for harness racing in NSW which is why the NSW Government is supporting the future of the industry in our region by working with Harness Racing NSW (HRNSW) to develop this training centre," Mr Toole said.
"The centre will be an enormous boost for our community, creating around 30 jobs and the construction of permanent stabling for up to 60 horses, as well as a training track and day paddocks.
"This new addition will massively enhance the capabilities of the harness racing industry here in Bathurst and will allow the sport to thrive well into the future."
Mayor Robert Taylor said harness racing is already a major attraction for the city, bringing in competitors and visitors for major events throughout the year.
"The addition of the new stabling complex and training track will provide local trainers with valuable new facilities and cement the club's position as the premier harness racing facility in regional NSW," he said.
Bathurst Harness Racing Club chief executive officer Danny Dwyer said the training centre has been a long time coming for the club.
"It's the final piece in the puzzle for our College Road base, and is sure to be of great benefit to both our existing trainers and up-and-coming talents," Mr Dwyer said.
"This facility has been high on our agenda since relocating from the Bathurst Sportsground in 2014, and it'll provide much needed stable space for younger people to get involved, as it's not as easy to buy land these days."
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