In a major development for horse racing in Melbourne’s south-east, the Cranbourne Turf Club (CTC) and the Pakenham Racing Club (PRC) have announced an in-principle agreement to merge, pending a members’ vote and necessary regulatory approvals. Racing Victoria (RV) and Country Racing Victoria (CRV) back the merger, underlining the region’s prominence in thoroughbred training and racing in Australia.
Both CTC and PRC committees have expressed optimism that the merger will amplify the stature of racing in the region, bringing added benefits to members, participants, commercial partners, racegoers, and the local communities. The merger is expected to finalize between late 2023 and early 2024, with members of both clubs casting their votes.
Should the merger go through, the new “Super Club” will liaise directly with Racing Victoria, bypassing the CRV, on key issues including funding, operations, and programming. This new direct relationship with RV is anticipated to bring significant racing and financial benefits.
CTC Chief Executive, Neil Bainbridge, emphasized the unique potential of this merger, saying, “Together we can deliver a more effective and efficient operating model… which can only benefit racing in the region.” Meanwhile, PRC Chief Executive, Blair Odgers, highlighted the growth both clubs have experienced, seeing the merger as a chance to “become a powerful combination in Victorian and Australian racing.”
Both RV and CRV chiefs lauded the move, recognizing its strategic and economic benefits for the broader racing community.
Notably, the merged entity’s name remains undecided, with further consultations planned. Currently, the two clubs collectively conduct over 60 race meetings yearly across three tracks and oversee the training of more than 1500 horses daily.
