First race meeting at Lark Hill a major achievement

14/10/01
Racing and Gaming Minister Nick Griffiths today said the inaugural race meeting at Lark Hill was a significant achievement and paved the way for future development of the track into one of the State's major sporting centres.
Mr Griffiths attended the race meeting at the Lark Hill course in Rockingham. He said the work and planning that had been done over the past few years had paid off.
"The excellent turnout today shows that local people have a real interest in racing. Years of planning and preparation has been put into making today possible," he said.
"The racetrack is outstanding and is a result of mostly volunteer labour. It demonstrates what can be achieved when the community works together.
"The project offers long-term recreation and employment opportunities for local people. The course will be developed to accommodate the needs of the growing local population.
"The City of Rockingham has been a major player in the development and has supported the Southern Districts Thoroughbred Association in their efforts."
Mr Griffiths said the State Government was a supporter of the project.
He said Lark Hill provided an ideal site for the construction of an Apprentices Training School. The project would also include the establishment of a residential stabling subdivision.
The Apprentice's School will cost $1.1 million to construct. Its facilities will include two classrooms, 20 horse boxes, a tack room, feed room, exercise and dressage rings and a gym and sauna.
"It is an excellent milestone for the racing industry and for the people of Rockingham. It will mean a future for racing in the area that will attract people from all over the State," Mr Griffiths said.
"Everyone who has been involved in this project should be commended for their efforts in making this day possible."
Media contact: Melissa Robinson 9222 8950 (w)