Latest news with #HarnessRacingVictoria
Sydney Morning Herald
18-05-2025
- Business
- Sydney Morning Herald
Many questions surround the $220m Moonee Valley revamp. We put them to the CEO
Moonee Valley Racing Club insists it will emerge from its looming 21-month shutdown and $220 million major surgery with a 'strong balance sheet' and 72 acres of freehold land to bankroll its future. It also maintains that the redevelopment, to begin on November 1, is running to schedule. That is despite the club still finalising plans for a new grandstand, waiting to announce who will host the 2026 Cox Plate, and continuing to hold talks with sporting organisations, such as the AFL and Harness Racing Victoria, about developing facilities in its infield. But in a wide-ranging interview with this masthead, Moonee Valley CEO Michael Browell said the club was financially independent, had budgeted for cost blowouts and had a contingency plan to host the Cox Plate at the Valley in 2027 if a new grandstand was not finished in time. The club is also cutting 40 per cent of its workforce by December in preparation for the closure period. In short, there is no turning back. Once the Valley locks the gates on November 1, the unique amphitheatre-like venue will never be the same. Where will the 2026 Cox Plate be raced? Browell: 'This decision has been deferred until the June Racing Victoria board meeting.' Shouldn't everything be ticked off by now? 'We've done an enormous amount of work to get to this point. In the next four weeks – so if we were to aim towards the end of June – we'll have the financing facility in place for the racecourse works, and we'll have an executed contract in place to build all of the required racing infrastructure and the infield. The contract that we will be signing will cover everything, excluding the grandstand precinct. The grandstand precinct will be a separate contract.' Are you running behind time? 'It's all on schedule. The challenge you've got with a project like we have, with the value of the work, is that you can't lock it in too early because then you're baking in cost escalation. As soon as we sign those loan contracts, we will start paying the facility fees.' Are you worried about costs blowing out? 'When we set the budget for the entirety of the project, we set a budget of $200 million and that was based on the estimated cost to build, but also taking into account the proceeds that the club will receive through our share in the Moonee Valley Park development being undertaken in partnership with a joint venture between [property developer] Hamton and Hostplus. Now, since that budget was first established, the value of the Moonee Valley Park project has increased significantly. The club's profit share through that joint venture has also increased significantly, and as a result of that, we've been able to increase the budget for our racecourse works, including the grandstand, to $220 million.'
The Age
18-05-2025
- Business
- The Age
Many questions surround the $220m Moonee Valley revamp. We put them to the CEO
Moonee Valley Racing Club insists it will emerge from its looming 21-month shutdown and $220 million major surgery with a 'strong balance sheet' and 72 acres of freehold land to bankroll its future. It also maintains that the redevelopment, to begin on November 1, is running to schedule. That is despite the club still finalising plans for a new grandstand, waiting to announce who will host the 2026 Cox Plate, and continuing to hold talks with sporting organisations, such as the AFL and Harness Racing Victoria, about developing facilities in its infield. But in a wide-ranging interview with this masthead, Moonee Valley CEO Michael Browell said the club was financially independent, had budgeted for cost blowouts and had a contingency plan to host the Cox Plate at the Valley in 2027 if a new grandstand was not finished in time. The club is also cutting 40 per cent of its workforce by December in preparation for the closure period. In short, there is no turning back. Once the Valley locks the gates on November 1, the unique amphitheatre-like venue will never be the same. Where will the 2026 Cox Plate be raced? Browell: 'This decision has been deferred until the June Racing Victoria board meeting.' Shouldn't everything be ticked off by now? 'We've done an enormous amount of work to get to this point. In the next four weeks – so if we were to aim towards the end of June – we'll have the financing facility in place for the racecourse works, and we'll have an executed contract in place to build all of the required racing infrastructure and the infield. The contract that we will be signing will cover everything, excluding the grandstand precinct. The grandstand precinct will be a separate contract.' Are you running behind time? 'It's all on schedule. The challenge you've got with a project like we have, with the value of the work, is that you can't lock it in too early because then you're baking in cost escalation. As soon as we sign those loan contracts, we will start paying the facility fees.' Are you worried about costs blowing out? 'When we set the budget for the entirety of the project, we set a budget of $200 million and that was based on the estimated cost to build, but also taking into account the proceeds that the club will receive through our share in the Moonee Valley Park development being undertaken in partnership with a joint venture between [property developer] Hamton and Hostplus. Now, since that budget was first established, the value of the Moonee Valley Park project has increased significantly. The club's profit share through that joint venture has also increased significantly, and as a result of that, we've been able to increase the budget for our racecourse works, including the grandstand, to $220 million.'
Daily Mail
26-04-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Racing world in mourning after shock death of 'much-loved champion' Greg Sugars
In a shocking blow to the Australian harness racing community, celebrated trainer and driver Greg Sugars has passed away unexpectedly aged just 40. The well-known trainer and driver died in his sleep after driving to New South Wales on Saturday to ready his team to race at Menangle. His wife, Jess Tubbs, announced the shocking news on social media. 'With an absolutely shattered heart that doesn't want to believe it's possibly true, I need to share the news that Greg passed away in his sleep last night,' Jess wrote. 'He had excitedly driven our team to NSW yesterday, with none of us possibly predicting this was in our future. 'His beloved son Harvey doesn't yet understand that dad won't be home to take him to Puppy School Graduation on Tuesday. 'We are heartbroken and very much still processing everything so some time and space will be appreciated.' Harness Racing Victoria decided to cancel its meeting Saturday night in Melton 'out of respect for Greg and his family'. 'Harness Racing Victoria extends its deepest condolences to the Sugars family, Jess Tubbs, and all fellow participants following the heartbreaking news of Greg Sugars' passing,' Harness Racing Victoria said. Tributes for Sugars have flooded social media. 'Words simply aren't enough when you hear a story like this one. Greg Sugars had so much more to give. Condolences to the harness racing family,' posted broadcaster Andrew Bensley. SEN radio boss Craig Hutchison posted: 'Devastated to learn tonight of the passing of Greg Sugars. Shattering. Much loved and respected champion driver in the trots world; thoughts of SEN's entire team entire team are with Jess, his family, and everyone at HRV. A wonderful man, taken so young. RIP.' Adam Hamilton posted: 'The feeling of devastation is immense. The pain through the harness racing industry around the world is immeasurable. What a talent. What a star. What a passionate and wonderful man. RIP Greg Sugars.' Sky racing wrote: 'We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of champion harness trainer/driver Greg Sugars. Our thoughts are with the Sugars family in this incredibly tough time.' We are deeply shocked and saddened to hear of Greg Sugars' passing. Greg will be remembered as one of the sport's legendary trainers and drivers, and we were privileged to see him at his best behind Just Believe in the 2023 Inter Dominion. RQ extends its condolences to Jess… — Racing Queensland (@Racing_QLD) April 26, 2025 SENTrack is saddened to hear of the passing of Greg Sugars. Our thoughts are with the Sugars family, Jess Tubbs, and all fellow participants. — SENTrack (@SEN_track) April 26, 2025 The harness racing world is in mourning following the news of his tragic passing Sugars, the son of decorated former trainer Ross Sugars, was very well-known in the world harness racing ranks. Earlier this year, he had called time on the stunning career of his global trotting champion Just Believe. Sugars trained a remarkable 4028 winners at the time of his death, 64 of those at group 1 level.
West Australian
26-04-2025
- Sport
- West Australian
‘Much-loved champion' Greg Sugars dies unexpectedly aged 40 as harness racing community pays tribute
The Australian harness racing community is mourning the sudden and unexpected death of popular champion Greg Sugars aged just 40. The legendary trainer and driver died in his sleep after driving to NSW ahead of a meet at Menangle on Saturday. His wife Jess Tubbs delivered the gut-wrenching news on the social media pages of the Larajay Farm stable. 'With an absolutely shattered heart that doesn't want to believe it's possibly true, I need to share the news that Greg passed away in his sleep last night,' Jess wrote. 'He had excitedly driven our team to NSW yesterday, with none of us possibly predicting this was in our future. 'His beloved son Harvey doesn't yet understand that dad won't be home to take him to Puppy School Graduation on Tuesday. 'We are heartbroken and very much still processing everything so some time and space will be appreciated.' The emotional meeting at Menangle went ahead while Harness Racing Victoria cancelled its meeting for Melton on Saturday night 'out of respect for Greg and his family'. 'Harness Racing Victoria extends its deepest condolences to the Sugars family, Jess Tubbs, and all fellow participants following the heartbreaking news of Greg Sugars' passing,' HRV said. Sugars and Tubbs were in the midst of a new era after legendary trotter Just Believe was retired in January. Their rising star Fighter Command, which almost lost his life last year, continued his comeback with an emotional triumph at Menangle on Saturday night. The racing community mourned Sugars' death with heartfelt tributes. 'Devastated to learn tonight of the passing of Greg Sugars. Shattering,' SEN radio boss Craig Hutchison wrote. 'Much loved and respected champion driver in the trots world; thoughts of SEN's entire team entire team are with Jess, his family, and everyone at HRV. A wonderful man, taken so young. RIP.' Racing broadcaster Andrew Bensley said: 'Words simply aren't enough when you hear a story like this one. Greg Sugars had so much more to give. Condolences to the harness racing family.' Adam Hamilton wrote: 'The feeling of devastation is immense. The pain through the harness racing industry around the world is immeasurable. What a talent. What a star. What a passionate and wonderful man. RIP Greg Sugars.'
Perth Now
26-04-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
‘Much-loved champion' dies unexpectedly: ‘Taken so young'
The Australian harness racing community is mourning the sudden and unexpected death of popular champion Greg Sugars aged just 40. The legendary trainer and driver died in his sleep after driving to NSW ahead of a meet at Menangle on Saturday. His wife Jess Tubbs delivered the gut-wrenching news on the social media pages of the Larajay Farm stable. 'With an absolutely shattered heart that doesn't want to believe it's possibly true, I need to share the news that Greg passed away in his sleep last night,' Jess wrote. 'He had excitedly driven our team to NSW yesterday, with none of us possibly predicting this was in our future. 'His beloved son Harvey doesn't yet understand that dad won't be home to take him to Puppy School Graduation on Tuesday. 'We are heartbroken and very much still processing everything so some time and space will be appreciated.' The emotional meeting at Menangle went ahead while Harness Racing Victoria cancelled its meeting for Melton on Saturday night 'out of respect for Greg and his family'. 'Harness Racing Victoria extends its deepest condolences to the Sugars family, Jess Tubbs, and all fellow participants following the heartbreaking news of Greg Sugars' passing,' HRV said. If you'd like to view this content, please adjust your . To find out more about how we use cookies, please see our Cookie Guide. Sugars and Tubbs were in the midst of a new era after legendary trotter Just Believe was retired in January. Their rising star Fighter Command, which almost lost his life last year, continued his comeback with an emotional triumph at Menangle on Saturday night. If you'd like to view this content, please adjust your . To find out more about how we use cookies, please see our Cookie Guide. The racing community mourned Sugars' death with heartfelt tributes. 'Devastated to learn tonight of the passing of Greg Sugars. Shattering,' SEN radio boss Craig Hutchison wrote. 'Much loved and respected champion driver in the trots world; thoughts of SEN's entire team entire team are with Jess, his family, and everyone at HRV. A wonderful man, taken so young. RIP.' Racing broadcaster Andrew Bensley said: 'Words simply aren't enough when you hear a story like this one. Greg Sugars had so much more to give. Condolences to the harness racing family.' Adam Hamilton wrote: 'The feeling of devastation is immense. The pain through the harness racing industry around the world is immeasurable. What a talent. What a star. What a passionate and wonderful man. RIP Greg Sugars.' If you'd like to view this content, please adjust your . To find out more about how we use cookies, please see our Cookie Guide. If you'd like to view this content, please adjust your . To find out more about how we use cookies, please see our Cookie Guide.
