Trainers and horses will soon be moving into 164 new state-of-the-art stables at the Murray Bridge Racecourse. Interior fit-outs are underway inside the six barns, and the equine swimming pool and walkers are 80% complete.
Murray Bridge Racing Club Manager John Buhagiar says he has had enough interest from local and interstate trainers to fill two more barns in the $13 million infrastructure project.
“We’ve got commitment for all six barns, and we’ve also got enquiry for more, and a lot of that interest has come from interstate which is great to see.
“Within the next two months we will see our first clients moving in and we are excited for that. Some of them are new clients to South Australian racing and they are going to grow the business.
“They are people that are going to bring more product to get spread throughout the whole industry, and we can see this place training multiple Group winners. It’s got everything going for it.
“We’ve got the training facilities, we’ve got the uphill track, and we’ve got a swimming pool going in. It’s just fantastic,” Buhagiar said.
The new stables at the southern end of the racecourse have been designed hand-in-hand with trainers. There are four barns that hold 30 horses, and another two barns which cater for 22.
“I’ve been here on a 39 degree day with Gary and Dean Alexander who are our first clients to move in and even then it’s really pleasant inside which is a great comfort,” Buhagiar said.
“There is plenty of ventilation, across and through, as well as the windows which is great for the horses. Horses are naturally inquisitive animals and they will be able to look around and see things and that’ll keep them happy.”
It’s estimated that the Gifford Hill development which includes the Murray Bridge Racing Club & Function Centre, and the world class racing and training facilities will generate $63 million in economic value to South Australia in its first five years of completion, and create more than 100 jobs.
“It’s such a unique opportunity to be involved in this project and I’m proud of the vision that the club had many years ago. We ended up seeking private investment, and the private investors had faith in what we were doing and came on board.
“So now we can provide something that the industry can use to grow and it’s a great opportunity for all,” Buhagiar said.
