Yarra Valley gets $118,000 for plastic running rails

Deputy Premier and Racing Minister Rob Hulls will visit Yarra Valley Racing Club this weekend to announce it is one of 25 clubs to receive funding for the installation of new plastic running rails.

Mr Hulls, who will be presenting the Yarra Valley Cup on Sunday, said $118,000 in funding would be allocated for Yarra Valley to install more than 3000 metres of the new, locally designed and manufactured plastic rails to improve racetrack safety.

“The safety and wellbeing of horses and jockeys is paramount to a healthy racing industry, and these new plastic running rails will further reduce the risk of injury during races and training sessions,” he said.

“In addition to the increased safety aspects, this innovative new system has been designed and produced in Victoria, creating jobs for the state’s manufacturing industry.

“This $118,000 in funding is part of the $2.3 million state-wide rollout of running rails which will revolutionise safety in Victoria’s racing industry.”

Mr Hulls said Mordialloc plumber Dan Mawby had invented the new system, which he named MawSafe, and created a product that could soon be seen at interstate racetracks as well.

“Safety improvements have been part of racing since its beginnings in this state and, as we’ve seen with the development of running rails from wood to aluminium, this latest step in that evolution will set a new benchmark for safety in the industry,” he said.

“MawSafe rails are plastic and are lighter than the previous forms, but also employ a simpler system that not only makes them easier and safer to install, but also easier and safer to move after they’ve been installed.”

Member for Seymour Ben Hardman said the new rails were great news for the local club. “This is a great Victorian story of industry, innovation and sport all combining strengths for the good of racing and jobs for Victorians,” Mr Hardman said.

The Brumby Labor Government is contributing more than $2 million to the state-wide project through the $86 million Regional Racing Infrastructure Fund, with Racing Victoria Limited (RVL) and Country Racing Victoria (CRV) jointly contributing $231,500.

CRV director Michael Moore said the invention of the plastic running rail had revolutionised the safety of both jockeys and horses.

“The safety and wellbeing of our industry participants and horses is CRV and RVL’s number one priority and the introduction of plastic running rails is a landmark initiative,” Mr Moore said.

“The installation of MawSafe plastic running rails at Yarra Valley will dramatically improve the safety of both jockeys and horses. On behalf of Racing Victoria and Country Racing Victoria, I would like to thank the Brumby Government for its contribution to funding this essential project for the Victorian thoroughbred racing industry.”