MURRUMBIDGEE Turf Club (MTC) have started to explore the option of building on-course stables.
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In what would be a major development, MTC are in the early stage of the planning process as a result of increased demand for stables at Wagga.
Just last month, young trainers Todd Smart and Brad Witt left their Wagga training base and cited a lack of stables as one of the reasons.
A number of trainers have also indicated their desire to move to Wagga but are unable to find appropriate stables to access.
The recent sale of Zakynthos Lodge means more than 100 boxes, plus an equine swimming pool, have been lost to developers in the past decade.
Even Wagga trainer Tim Donnelly has said he would have more boxes if any were available.
MTC chief executive Scott Sanbrook said the club is aware of the situation.
“At the moment we’re restricted with the number of trainers we can have because of the stables situation,” Sanbrook said.
“It would be terrific if we had more options for trainers but at the moment, we don’t.
“I’ve fielded enquiries for the last five years from trainers who are interested in relocating to Wagga, or Wagga trainers who are eager to expand so the club is very aware that there is the potential to build on our training base.”
Sanbrook revealed MTC is in the early stages of planning for on-track stabling.
“We have had a look at our options for on-course stabling and we’re in the infancy of trying to get something off the ground,” he said.
“We’re exploring all different options at the moment...and are in the early stages of putting together a plan.
“Hopefully we’re in a position to move forward sooner rather than later but at the same time, it’s not something that is going to happen overnight.
“It’s a process that will take time.”
A fair proportion of the Wagga racecourse is crown land which makes the matter more complex for the club.
MTC has been looking into the issue for ‘quite a while’ but Sanbrook added that the recent departure of trainers did confirm the need to look into the lack of stabling at Wagga.
“We definitely take all feedback on board,” he said.
“When trainers are leaving, obviously something needs to be addressed.”
