• Werribee, Hoppers Crossing, Point Cook Star

By Bridie Byrne

9th February 2010 11:05:18 AM

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CRUCIAL work on the Werribee racecourse ceased last week after the financial collapse of the construction company.

Akron was flaunted as the leading firm to overhaul the troubled landmark when awarded the contract in September.

The directors called in administrators last Monday leaving 10 per cent of their work incomplete.

It is believed work on the turf was to resume yesterday.

The firm was behind the revamping of the Flemington, Caulfield and Moonee Valley tracks.

Racing officials were confident the original timetable would not be affected.

A Racing Victoria spokesman said the club was now working closely with administrator, Taylor Woodings, to assess what risks the latest development posed to the project.

“We do have back up strategies in place, if required, to ensure that we complete the necessary works within our original timetable,” he said.

Werrribee Racing Club chairman Patrick Wheelahan said there would be no delays as the site had to be completed in time for 2010 Spring Racing Carnival.

Racing was suspended at the local course after jockeys deemed the track unsafe in 2007.

A $4 million track overhaul was required before racing could resume. Racing Victoria agreed to cover the cost in return for Werribee becoming an international horse centre.

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