Screen a sign of big things at club

A new 80sq m screen erected at the winning post of the Bunbury Turf Club is set to benefit not only race fans but the community as well.

The new feature is just one of a number of upgrades at the thoroughbred track, with refurbishments to the Winning Post Bar also just weeks away from completion.

Included in the upgrades will be a race wall featuring 10 televisions with 140cm screens and self-service TAB machines, with the area enclosed and accessible via bi-folding doors.

The upgrades have been supported by Racing and Wagering WA, with the remaining funding coming from Royalties for Regions.

BTC chief executive officer Alex Doble said the board had a number of projects “on the drawing board” and was pleased to complete a couple in the off-season.

“It (the big screen) is a really good addition,” Mr Doble said. “It will add to the race day experience.

“Come out here, enjoy a punt and a cold beverage in the Winning Post Bar, before stepping out onto the lawn and watch the live racing with the big screen as the backdrop.”

Mr Doble said the initial focus would be on the race experience, but the upgrades also offered the venue greater flexibility for non-race day events.

“A perfect example of that would be having the AFL Grand Final on the big screen or a summer movie night,” he said.

“We are not against it being an asset to the community.

“We will talk to stakeholders in the near future about the options available.”

Mr Doble said the upgrades helped cement the Bunbury track as the best outside Perth.

“These luxury items are just desserts for really hard work from the club,” he said.

Mr Doble said the upgrades were just the start.

“You can rest assured the club is coming up with a plan to strategically go through the track and highlight the priority upgrades which need to be done,” he said.