TTC Opens New Betting Ring to Public
Race goers were met with plush décor, bigger TVs and a wider view of the home straight action when they stepped into the new Clifford Park betting ring on Saturday.
Formerly an open-plan breezeway, the area adjacent to the main bar has been transformed into the club’s betting ring and replaces the nearby Bob Gibbs Pavillion as the centre of bookmaker and tote activity.
The Neil Mansell Concrete Betting Ring, as it was dubbed on Friday, was unofficially opened to the public on Saturday and was well received by both punters and bookmakers.
Club CEO Aaron Clancy said betting spiked significantly on the day.
“We saw a tote turnover improvement of $20,000 compared to an average Saturday, which was an outstanding result,” Mr Clancy said.
Bookmaker Pat Kynoch saw the move to a central location as pivotal to the experience of having a flutter.
“I think we’re moving with the times and updating. It brings the general public that much closer to the live racing now,” Mr Kynoch said.
Mr Clancy said over the past 12 months the club has made many changes to ensure that it is the preferred function venue and this move made sense.
“With attendances increasing week by week and more functions being held at the club, it was necessary for us to meet this demand.”
He said the new betting ring will attract even more patrons to the club, with up-to-date enclosed facilities all trackside, including tote facilities, bookmakers and the public bar all enclosed under the one roof.
The Bob Gibbs Pavilion will now be reformatted as an entertainment auditorium which the public can hire for functions.
“The new entertainment auditorium, complete with dance floor in the centre, will be a much sort after venue,” Mr Clancy said.
The area will be able to host up to 250 people for a variety of different functions, including presentation nights, birthdays, engagements, weddings and entertainment evenings with a formal setting, and the club is currently seeking a naming sponsor for this venue.
The entertainment auditorium and Neil Mansell Concrete Betting Ring will be officially launched later this month, with an opening dinner and dance slated for November 26.
Story & Photo - Brandon Long
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