Sandown Racecourse
Sandown Racecourse (commercially known as Ladbrokes Park) is situated 25 kilometres from the city along the Princes Highway and hosts both horse racing and motorsport. Blessed with one of the finest racing surfaces in Australia, Sandown is an undulating course which has been redeveloped through 2002 into a dual circuit venue - with the individual tracks known as Lakeside and Hillside.
Sandown Racecourse is within sight of the Dandenong Ranges, with the track offering excellent racing in all weather. The track is recognised by the racing industry as the best wet weather track in Australia. The traditional course was formerly 1892 metres in circumference with a minimum width of 30 metres and the home straight was 407 metres in length. The uphill run to the winning post tests a horse's stamina.
In November 1997, the course unveiled the first stage of new $6 million facilities. August 1999 saw the completion of the second stage refurbishment. The project progressed over eighteen months, and earned Sandown Racecourse the reputation as a premier racing and entertainment facility.
The future of Sandown is somewhat unknown. The land, owned by the Melbourne Racing Club, is worth plenty and there are rumours the club may sell the land to a commercial and residential development.
Sandown Racecourse Details
Motor Sports
Sandown 500
