Newcastle Jockey Club (NJC) have accepted an $11.2 million funding package from Racing NSW for much needed track upgrades.
Speaking to leading Newcastle trainer Kris Lees at the NSW Trainers luncheon on Monday, “Newcastle is a great track but it desperately needed a track upgrades” Lees said.
However Racing NSW had stipulated that the funding would only be made available if the NJC members voted to reduce the current 10 person board to seven including three independent members appointed by the governing body.
The Racing NSW deal went to the vote at the Newcastle Jockey Club’s AGM last night and the resolutions were passed by a 97% vote.
The new fund will help upgrade the deteriorating Broadmeadow course proper and the construction of a second grass track.
Racing NSW is expected to put similar proposal to the Illawarra Turf Club as they need the funding to rebuild the Kembla Grange race track.
By Owens Wong
