The racing scene in south-east Victoria is about to undergo a transformation with the merger of Cranbourne Turf Club (CTC) and Pakenham Racing Club (PRC).
This merging of the two clubs, approved by their members on Monday evening, has been hailed as a game changer by Andrew Jones, Chief Executive of Racing Victoria (RV) and Scott Whiteman, Chief Executive of Country Racing Victoria (CRV).
“We commend Cranbourne Turf Club and Pakenham Racing Club members for approving this merger,” said Jones.
“The combined club offers members two tracks for the price of one. Trainers can realise a future where more facilities and options are available to them.
“And club leaders can drive economies of scale across racing, training, customer services, commercial operations, finance, administration, gaming and property.
“Everyone is a winner today.
“This is an historic moment for Victorian racing and one that solidifies Melbourne’s south-east Super Club as a racing and training powerhouse.
Whiteman also acknowledged the role played by Racing Victoria, led by Andrew Jones and his team, in making this dream a reality.
“This is a great outcome for Victorian racing, and we are delighted that the members have endorsed the merger of the two clubs,” said Whiteman.
“It has been tremendous to work closely with each club as they have grown to become a Super Club in Melbourne’s south-east.
“Whilst we have long held a dream that these clubs could merge into a powerhouse, it would not have been possible without the support and awareness of the long-term benefits from Racing Victoria, headed by Andrew Jones, his management team and the Board.
“Everyone involved with the Cranbourne and Pakenham Racing Clubs should feel proud today.”
The club will have a portfolio organising more than 60 race meetings annually across three tracks: Cranbourne, Pakenham Turf and Pakenham Synthetic.
All these tracks are equipped for night racing.
With its ability to accommodate over 1,500 horses in training and contributing to 30% of all starters in Victoria, this club is poised to become a powerhouse in the industry.
This consolidation is expected to bring about cost savings and benefits for all parties involved.
As the Cranbourne Turf Club (CTC) and Pakenham Racing Club (PRC) diligently navigate through the processes, the future of racing in Melbourne’s south-east looks promising.
The direct collaboration between the Super Club and Racing Victoria (RV) on matters related to funding, operations, and programming will further enhance the region’s racing landscape.
This significant merger represents a chapter for racing that cements Melbourne’s south-east as a top-tier destination for both horse racing and training.
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