Kennerson Park’s New Facility Officially Opened
Minister for Racing Kevin Greene opened a $170,000 bar and viewing area and function room at Kennerson Park Racecourse in Bathurst on Wednesday, May 20.
“The new facility is fully air-conditioned and comfortably seats 60 people, with standing room for another 40.” Mr Greene said.
“It can also accommodate two bookies and includes a tote facility and plasma television screens and a 1.8m projector screen”.
“Improved patron facilities help increase attendance at race meetings, which is vital to the ongoing sustainability of the racing industry”.
“Many volunteers donated labour to keep costs down – a true sign that greyhound racing in Bathurst is an important part of the local community,” he said.
The project was funded by an $80,000 grant under the NSW Government's $7.5 million Equine Influenza assistance package.
The club sourced additional funding of $72,000 from the Greyhound Industry Development Fund, while the Greyhound Breeders, Owners and Trainers Association provided $15,000.
Club secretary/manager, Greg Hore, stated “That the new facility compliments our established dining room and provides vastly improved comfort for patrons, particularly in the winter months”.
He added, “It also gives the club the opportunity to source secondary income with the club now able to offer a first class facility for hire as a function centre, be it for xmas parties, weddings, conferences etc.”
The Minister and Mr. Hore, along with GBOTA Chairman Bill Mangafas all paid special tribute to the efforts of the many volunteers who contributed to the project.
The club will race in the Wednesday TAB twilight slot right through until the end of August. Meanwhile, anyone interested in utilizing the function room can contact the club on (02) 6331 2201.
Racing on Wednesday night saw the talented Rip Van Rip bounce back to his brilliant best with a slick 30.09 all the way win in the Hon. Kevin Greene MP Free For All over 520 meters for Cowra couple Paul and Pam Braddon.
Three heats of the Give Me Five @ Stud Sprint were held and the Lorraine Roy trained Azam took time honours with a sizzling 25.84 gallop in race 10 to down Come On Izzi.
The Kirby family's in-form chaser Dastardly was next best at 26.08 in accounting for Cawbourne Ducati whilst Express Cargo finished too well for Dragonfly and Needy in the opening run-off posting 26.25.