The upgrade, which will involve the replacement of the existing track surface, will create a similar surface to the sand track at Wodonga which has performed to a high standard and is regarded highly in the industry.

There will also be minor changes to the sand track’s drainage system.

Wangaratta Turf Club CEO Paul Hoysted was ecstatic with the news and said the upgrade, which he hoped to be finished by the end of next month, would go a long way to boosting the club’s image after a testing few years that saw the club undergo an operational review by Country Racing Victoria.

“It’s sensational news,” Hoysted said.

“The old facility was more of a powder than sand and was probably rated as one of the worst in Victoria.

“It’s going to be a complete upgrade.

“Not only will it alleviate all of the training track’s old problems but it will make the track an attractive place for trainers to come.

“Weather permitting, the upgrade should take 14 days and we plan for it to be available every morning of the year.”

Member for Murray Valley Tim McCurdy said Wangaratta was fast becoming a popular destination for horse trainers.

“The current sand track is not up to the standard demanded of it by professional trainers with the many good racehorses they train in the region,” McCurdy said.

“Racing is a very important part of the North East’s economy delivering millions of dollars in economic benefits and employing thousands of people across the three codes of racing.”