CAULFIELD GRANDSTAND BURNS

By Graham Potter | Monday, January 6, 2025

A fire which broke out in the Norman Robinson stand at Caulfield racecourse early this morning was contained relatively quickly by eleven teams of fire-fighters but, sadly, not before significant damage was caused to the heritage stand which was built in 1960.

Timber features within the stand contributed to the ferocity of the fire.

“It looked like the (adjoining) Hiskens Stand had gone up as well as the Norman Robinson Stand, but luckily it was contained to the one stand,” said Melbourne Racing Club Chairman, John Kanga.

“There was only water damage and smoke damage to the Hiskens Stand.”

Kanga suggested the damage could amount to millions of dollars but emphasised that the club would work with their insurers to ensure as quick as possible a rebuild once the Victoria Police had completed their investigation into the incident.

*A 51-year-old man, who allegedly lit a number of grass fires in the area, was arrested later in the day.