Belmont returns to Perth schedule with $8 million facelift

Perth Racing has promised racegoers a noticeably new-look Belmont Park when racing returns to the venue this Saturday, following a wildly successful Ascot season. 

While the $200,000 Group 3 Belmont Sprint (1400m) will be the highlight of the return on the track, Perth Racing chief executive James Oldring said an $8 million uplift had created a significantly more modern racing facility. 

One of the major highlights of the upgrade is a new, 200-square-metre “superscreen” on the main straight before the finishing post. 

“The experience now at Belmont will better reflect what everyone should expect from a metropolitan race club,” Oldring said. 

“I’m hoping these renovations completely redefine Belmont’s reputation as a venue, not only for racing, but also for entertainment. I’m extremely proud of the team for delivering what was originally proposed as a three-year project within about a six-month period. 

“It has been a huge undertaking to turn it around in the time that they have, but I’m really looking forward to seeing the reaction from members and patrons when they come to Belmont and see what a day at the races now looks like.” 

Oldring said the Old Mate’s Sports Bar on the facility’s ground floor had been significantly renovated and also now had a big, new indoor broadcast screen. On the second floor, there is now a new Vantage platform for owners, trainers and members overlooking the mounting yard and finishing post. 

The entire Riverview floor has been refurbished to provide a premium experience for general admission guests, and the members’ floor has been completely upgraded. It includes removing the old Champagne Bar to expand the floor’s footprint. 

The fourth-floor corporate suites, with spectacular views over the Swan River, have also all been renovated and there is new air-conditioning and roofing on the grandstand. – Racing WA