In recent weeks I have met with Rob Hines, (CEO of RVL), Bernard Saundry (Chief Operating Officer of RVL) and Leigh Jordan (Director Racing Operations RVL).

The purpose of these meetings has been to put the Club’s position with respect to potentially hosting the International Horse Centre for the tourist horses that will train out of Werribee in preparation for the Spring carnival feature races.

With Bob Westwood, I have attended a further  meeting involving Wyndham Council (Peter Marshall (CEO) and Councilors), Rob Hines and Bernard Saundry from RVL, in consultation with the office of Tim Pallas MP, in order to further progress the positive plans to get racing back to Werribee Racing Club.

With the assistance of Peter Marshall, the Council and Tim Pallas MP, matters have progressed in a very positive direction for the Club with its negotiations with RVL.  As the matter currently stands, all parties are agreed that if racing and the International Horse Centre is to be at the Werribee Racing Club, a complete rebuild of the racetrack is required.  Such a rebuild has many tangible benefits not only for Werribee, but for the industry at large.

Any formal announcement as to location of the International Horse Centre and the rebuilding of the Werribee racetrack is to be made by RVL.  The Club has put its best case forward and its willingness to be flexible for the benefit of the racing industry and the community at large.  Hence, members will have read that this year, the Werribee Cup date has been taken up by the Bendigo Racing Club.  We were consulted about this, and took the view that it was in the best interests of racing that that occur.  Further, the Club is considering a new Cup date to further enhance the Weerama Festival – perhaps a Friday twilight meeting whilst daylight savings is still operative.

As to the future, the Club has been advised that the decision of the RVL Board with respect to these matters will be announced as part of  RVL’s directions paper.  That directions paper is expected to be delivered in the first two weeks of May 2009.

Patrick Wheelahan
Chairman