Shadow Racing Minister Denis Napthine talks with Pakenham retailer Peter van Diemen about the plight of the local horse racing industry last Friday.By Paul Pickering
PAKENHAM’S horse racing industry is bracing itself for an economic downturn as the future of Pakenham Racing Club hangs in the balance.
Local trainers and produce retailers met with Victoria’s Shadow Racing Minister Denis Napthine last Friday, asking for support amid the threat to their livelihood.
The pleas came as Racing Victoria Limited considers its plan to scrap Pakenham as a training centre and cut its racing schedule if the proposed move to Nar Nar Goon is blocked.
Pakenham Produce and Saddlery owner Peter van Diemen said he was just one of the local businesspeople whose future hinged on that of the racing club.
Mr van Diemen, who employs 12 staff at his premises off Bald Hill Road, reported that 25 per cent of his business came from the local racing industry.
“If we lose that market, I don’t know where we can pick that up,” he said.
Having moved from the store’s previous site on Station Street last October, Mr van Diemen said the threat of a downturn came at the most inopportune time.
“It was rather disappointing,” he said.
“I suppose you try to be optimistic, but it’s hard.”
Mr van Diemen also acknowledged the potential for a boom in the industry if the Nar Nar Goon facility was to go ahead.
Meanwhile, Pakenham Trainers’ Association (PTA) president Julien Welsh and Nar Nar Goon trainer Miranda Cox told Dr Napthine of the importance of retaining Pakenham as a training venue.
Ms Cox was critical of RVL’s plans to ask local trainers relocate to Cranbourne, noting the move would not be viable for Pakenham’s many hobby trainers and owner-trainers.
The concerned locals received a sympathetic hearing from Dr Napthine, a former veterinarian and racing enthusiast.
“It’s an absolute disgrace,” Dr Napthine said of the plan to displace local trainers.
“This is one of the fastest-growing regions in the state and one of the largest horse training areas in country Victoria.”
Dr Napthine called for Racing Minister Rob Hulls and RVL chief executive Rob Hines to reconsider a plan to close down 19 training centres, claiming that it showed disregard for the industry’s battler class.
“It’s racing for the rich,” he explained.
“One of the great things about Australian racing is the stories of the battler from the bush who takes on the city. (But) they’re only looking after the big trainers and owners.”
PTA is encouraging anyone involved in the local horse racing industry to attend a meeting at PRC’s committee room from 7pm tonight, when the association will discuss the content of its submission to RVL.
