My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Racing. It relates to the safety
of horses and jockeys whilst racing and training. On 26 February the minister
issued a media release, and I was pleased to learn that new plastic running
rails will be installed at the track used by the Hamilton Racing Club. The
plastic rails replace the current aluminium rails, and they elevate, spring and
bend when they are contacted, significantly increasing the safety for horses and
jockeys. They were invented by a Melbourne plumber and they are manufactured in
Victoria, creating jobs in addition to improving safety standards at our racing
tracks.
The Hamilton Racing Club is a very important facility in
country Victoria. It is important to the regional economy, particularly in
western Victoria.
There are 10 TAB meetings held at the course each year, with an
excellent primary event, the Hamilton Cup, held in April each year.
The Brumby Labor government recognises the importance of horse
racing and horse racing facilities in Hamilton and regional Victoria, with the
minister officially reopening the upgraded harness racing track in Hamilton last
month. Over $1 million was spent on upgrading the track surface and on other
race day amenities to increase safety and facilities for all participants —
jockeys, horses, trainers and spectators alike.
My request is that the minister extend the installation of
plastic running rails to other racing tracks in western Victoria. This is an
excellent initiative which again sets standards for horse racing safety around
the world.