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Werribee is set to welcome international horses for this year’s spring carnival, with a $1.3 million training track now complete.

The Victorian Government has provided funding for the installation of a new CLOPF training track for international runners during quarantine in Melbourne.

Minister for Racing Martin Pakula said the track is a crucial part of racing infrastructure in Victoria, playing home to international horses being quarantined ahead of their racing duties.

International horses housed at Werribee have had great success in recent years including last year’s Melbourne Cup winner Protectionist, Caulfield Cup winner Admire Rakti and Cox Plate victor, Adelaide.

Victoria has seen a major increase in interest from overseas trainers, especially during the spring, putting extra pressure on the resources at Werribee Racecourse.

The Government through the VRIF and Racing Victoria have each provided $650,000.

“Victoria has international appeal as a racing destination. With Australia’s strict quarantine laws, it’s crucial that we provide international trainers world-class facilities while they’re here,” Pakula said.

“Werribee Racing Club has been providing excellent facilities for training. Given the racecourse hosts six meetings of its own, including the popular Werribee Cup, it’s important that a world-class training track be built for our international competitors.

“The upgrade means facilities at the Werribee centre are now comparable to those in Dubai and Hong Kong.”