THE Mount Gambier Racing Club has deemed a landmark new global media deal as one of the most exciting developments in the history of the organisation.
Live pictures of the Allan Scott Glenburnie Racecourse will soon be streamed across the world, catapulting the regional racing industry into the international spotlight.
More than 1400 metres of cabling is now being installed around the perimeter of the course, which is a $160,000 funding commitment from Thoroughbred Racing SA.
It is hoped the new deal will trigger a rise in betting turnover and growing interest in regional trainers and race meetings.
Club president John Fartch said the new Racing.com agreement and the looming $3.3m redevelopment of the track would push the racing club into a new era.
“The media deal will give the Allan Scott Glenburnie Racecourse world-wide recognition with transmission of races going into five major countries, including America and England,” Mr Fartch said.
“We are hoping it will increase betting turnover, which will see more money invested in Mount Gambier.
“The bigger the industry gets, the more people it can employ.”
Victoria’s thoroughbred wagering turnover has climbed 18pc since it launched Racing.com.
Mr Fartch said six cameras would be set up at every race meeting around the track, which would be brought in from Adelaide.
“One camera they will use is worth $200,000 – they will have every angle of a race covered,” the club stalwart said.
He said live on-site commentary would also be held at every Wednesday meeting at Glenburnie, as well as cup fixtures across the region.
“Commentators will conduct interviews with trainers trackside,” Mr Fartch said.
TRSA chief operating officer Nick Redin said the media agreement would see racing at Glenburnie potentially also reach 98pc of SA households on free-to-air television.
He said the deal would enable regional trainers and Mount Gambier Racing Club to raise their profiles.
Mr Redin said part of the project included building new outside broadcasting trucks.
“TRSA is reinvesting in the industry and the infrastructure to make sure the cabling is best practice,” he said.
