A wish list including additional horse tie-ups and a new caller’s box was given to Minister for Racing, Paul Toole when he met with Tuncurry-Forster Jockey Club president, Garry McQuillan on Wednesday, May 30.
Mr Toole was visiting the Great Lakes prior to the State government’s community cabinet meeting in Forster on Thursday, May 31.
The jockey club has applied for a $175,000 stronger country communities grant to pay for the major works, which also would include tiered seating, amenities and a boardroom incorporated in the caller’s box.
Ideal track conditions have seen an increase in the number of horses racing at the Tuncurry racecourse.
Trainers find the sand-based track ideal for the horses, Mr McQuillan said.
The 20 additional horse tie-ups would bring the total to 120.
Work on the track’s $380,000 irrigation system was planned to begin later this month, and would be finished in time for the September cup meeting.
The continued growth of the Tuncurry-Forster Jockey Club is a far cry from the dark days when Racing NSW was determined to close the facility.
Mr McQuillan paid tribute to the committee and its achievements, especially during the past 12 months.
