And now they have the support of NSW Tourism Minister Matt Brown who examined recent improvements and future plans for the venue on Friday.

The Member for Kiama was quick to see the connection between local visitor numbers and a facility catering for top-tier competitions in all horse sports.

"Excellence in a particular field brings others in that field to a particular area," said Mr Brown.

"That’s why the concept here has so much merit ... it will have a really effective spin-off for the region.

"It’s really an equine Mecca."

The Bowral Dressage Club and the Burradoo Polocrosse Club have been spurring on the development of additional horse facilities at the track since 2003, with support from the Bong Bong Picnic Race Club and the Bowral Show Society.

So far, the dressage club has spent $250,000 of their own money improving their site within the racecourse in the hope of hosting elite dressage competitions.

Completed alterations include levelling the ground, installing drainage systems and creating three competition arenas.

Meanwhile, the polocrosse club has also spent $50,000 developing new playing fields and building additional stabling areas with the aim of eventually being able to host 700 riders.

"It will be a great facility ... it’s been a lot of hard work to get to here," polocrosse representative Bill Heuston said.

The two clubs also have a grant application with NSW Sport and Recreation for further funding to complete a new shower block, an irrigation system, and help with ground development.

Mr Brown hinted he would do what he could to secure further funding.

Full story: SHN, Monday, October 22