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Murray Bridge will kick-off a new era for regional racing amid the town’s first official horse race on a new $35 million course and facilities.

The new track has relocated the existing Murray Bridge Racecourse to Gifford Hill on the Southern side of the South-Eastern freeway from Murray Bridge.

Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing Corey Wingard said the exciting development would provide a timely boost to South Australia’s racing industry.

“The Marshall Government believes in the long-term future of the state’s racing and that is why we have injected $24 million into the industry,” Minister Wingard said.

“The new course and facilities show there is confidence in the future of the industry and we expect our $24 million stimulus package to provide the impetus for many racing infrastructure upgrades in the near future.”

Member for Hammond Adrian Pederick said: “It is exciting to see this first race meeting which comes after many years of lobbying and working with industry groups, developers and the local racing club and committee.

“This track and it’s function facility bring not only a new era in racing but the opportunity to host an array of other events.”

The Marshall Government stimulus package includes an initial $8 million up-front payment which will be available to the three racing codes – Thoroughbred Racing SA, Greyhound Racing SA and Harness Racing SA, to support the industry progress key reforms and agreed infrastructure projects.

This follows $4.85 million in assistance provided by the Government to the racing industry in 2017-18.

“This funding will help the racing industry build the infrastructure it needs to create a viable, long-term business model which will support South Australian jobs well into the future.”

While the first official race at the Murray Bridge track will be today, the officially opening will be a standalone meeting on Saturday August 10.

Eight races are scheduled to be held today with maximum fields nominated.