NATIONALS candidate for Parkes, Jamie Chaffey, has announced a future Coalition Government will provide funding to upgrade facilities at Gunnedah Riverside Racecourse.

Mr Chaffey said if elected, and The Nationals help form government at the forthcoming election, $480,000 will be provided to upgrade and extend the current racecourse kitchen, dining room, and function centre.

“These upgrades have been planned for some time, and have already achieved DA approval from Council, making the project shovel-ready,” Mr Chaffey said.

“However, I understand there have been numerous funding applications submitted to the Labor Government without success.

“These upgrades will assist the Jockey Club host events like their Christmas Ham race meeting, while also providing a greater capacity to host larger events such as weddings, school formals, and parties to create a different revenue stream,” Mr Chaffey said.

The Jockey Club, run by a dedicated group of volunteers, is a vital asset to the Gunnedah community, serving as a significant regional racing venue, and also hosts the Somerton, Curlewis and Boggabri Cups.

The Gunnedah Jockey Club is contributing $165,401.00 to the upgrades, bringing the total cost of the project to $645,401.

Nationals’ candidate for Parkes, Jamie Chaffey flanked by Gunnedah Jockey Club president Mark Wilkinson (left) and club committeeman Richard Neader.

Club committee member, Richard Neader, said while the upgrades will take place on Jockey Club grounds, the facilities will be there for the whole community.

“These proposed upgrades will certainly improve the race day experience for our patrons

and help keep the cost of admission down,” Mr Neader said.

“This commitment will take financial pressure off the jockey club, and income raised during race days and events can go into upgrading other infrastructure needed at the racecourse.

Gunnedah Jockey Club races this Saturday, a SKY 2 meeting with eight races scheduled – extended from six races after the club was swamped with nominations.

The 1400m Commercial Hotel Boggabri Cup will start 14 runners, including Injair, trained on the track by Gavin Groth.

Gunnedah Jockey Club also races Monday, May 5 with seven races and SKY 1 status.

The time-honoured Gunnedah Gold Cup meeting is programmed for Sunday, May 25, with the $40,000 cup a Big Dance qualifying race.