On course for carnival

By Charlene Macaulay

Werribee racecourse will have a third quarantine centre up and running in time for this year’s Spring Racing Carnival.

The finishing touches are being put on the new quarantine centre, which will be called the Americain compound in honour of the 2010 Melbourne Cup winner, and will stable eight horses.

It will be ready in time for the first horses that are set to arrive on September 30. Once complete, Werribee racecourse will have capacity to house 32 horses and will be the only racing club in the state with three quarantine centres.

The project was fully funded by Racing Victoria. Racing club general manager Glenn Scott said he was thrilled with the new compound.

“It keeps Werribee on the map for racing season,” Mr Scott said.

Also, this year, morning track work will be open to the public every day between 7-9am from October 2 until the Melbourne Cup.

Werribee Racing Club has also started selling tickets to its annual International Breakfast with the Stars, which will be held on November 2 and gives attendees the chance to rub shoulders with leading Australian and international racing personalities. Tickets are $99, or $65 for club members. For more information, call 9741 1800.