Minister re-opens Geraldton racecourse

21/10/01
Racing and Gaming Minister Nick Griffiths today officially opened the new Geraldton racecourse. Mr Griffiths said it was a significant event in the racing calendar and a significant milestone for the Geraldton Race Club.
He congratulated members of the Geraldton Race Club for their achievement in managing to open the racecourse less than two years after it was declared unfit for racing.
"A lot of hard work and effort has gone into making the opening of this racecourse possible," he said.
"Some $1 million in funding from the Racecourse Development Trust meant that the work that was needed to upgrade the track was possible. This involved providing proper drainage and turf growth on the track."
Mr Griffiths said that support from other parts of the racing industry had made it possible for the Geraldton Race Club to produce an excellent track.
"A $300,000 loan from the WA Turf Club assisted in this major repair work. The Turf Club also provided staffing and management support.
"The industry came together to make sure there was a future for racing in Geraldton. Local people can once again come together to enjoy a day out at the races.
"The Geraldton Turf Club is the major provincial racing club in the Mid-West region. I hope that the opening day will be the first of many enjoyable and successful race meetings throughout the year," Mr Griffiths said.

Media contact: Melissa Robinson 9222 8950 (w)