On the right track

By Kath Gannaway
RACING Minister Denis Napthine has described Healesville’s greyhound racing facility as “one-of-a-kind” ahead of the running of the $40,000 Healesville Cup next week.
Dr Napthine went track-side on Sunday to officially launch the $1.5million upgrade to the track and facilities.
The State Government contributed $375,000 towards the construction of a new sand track and pavilion with Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV) contributing the remaining $1.125 million.
GRV Chairman Peter Caillard and Healesville Greyhound Racing Association president Michelle Labahn were equally impressed with the transformation and the predicted benefits.
Mr Caillard said the new, modern facility would provide the local community with a fantastic new venue for use on non-race days while Ms Labahn said it was a major move forward for the club.
Dr Napthine said the conversion from a grass track to sand would allow Healesville to race 52 weeks of the year and receive full Sky Channel television and TAB coverage.
“The Healesville Greyhound Racing Association is set to hold unique straight-course races over both 300 and 350 metres on the new sand track, and the new pavilion will allow patrons to watch races in comfort without detracting from the stunning picnic-friendly surroundings,” he said.
He said races at Healesville would now become a permanent Sunday fixture on the greyhound racing calendar and provide tremendous exposure for Healesville which will next Sunday host the Healesville Cup.
Looking over the track, he said the 150mm deep sand track had settled well with Sunday’s heats providing a good build-up to the Healesville Cup final next Sunday, 16 October.
“This year the cup winner will receive $40,000, making it the richest straight-track greyhound race in the country,” Dr Napthine said.
Mr Caillard said the $1.5million investment gave the picturesque track the potential to become another Healesville drawcard.
“Thanks largely to the Victorian Government’s generous funding, this major upgrade of Healesville’s tranquil greyhound racing venue now gives it the potential to become widely recognised as a local landmark alongside the likes of Healesville Sanctuary, the popular walking trails at Badger Weir and the busy strip of cafes that align the town centre,” Mr Caillard said.
Ms Labahn said the upgrade would secure the future of Greyhound racing in Healesville through year-round racing and the ability to attract new patrons to the club.