By Matthew Sims
An overwhelming majority vote by both committees of the Cranbourne Turf Club (CTC) and Pakenham Racing Club (PRC) has approved a merger between the two esteemed clubs, paving the way for a ’Super Club’ in the South East to take shape.
Both of the clubs passed special resolutions to merge the two clubs during their respective annual general meetings on Monday 18 December.
Supported by Racing Victoria (RV) and Country Racing Victoria (CRV), the merger would create a new club, to be registered as the Cranbourne Pakenham Racing Club, with a more marketable brand to be announced soon.
Inaugural chief executive Neil Bainbridge said the club was already working to achieve the required regulatory approvals and commence the transitional process, including receiving approval from the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC), Racing Minister Anthony Carbines and new liquor and racing licensing.
“It’s a significant day for racing in the south-east,“ he said.
“It’s a wonderful result.
“We look forward to getting the regulatory approvals in place in early 2024 and hitting the ground running for the benefits of our members, our trainers and the wider Casey and Cardinia communities.“
While the Pakenham Cup would be retained in 2024 as a night meeting on Thursday 29 February, Bainbridge said the Pakenham Cup would move back to its former regular Saturday day schedule, with a date to be confirmed for a meet in November or December 2024.
The committees of both the PRC and CTC acknowledged and expressed gratitude for the contributions of outgoing members of both the CTC and PRC management committees.
