The club has received almost $1.4million from the government and industry to resurface the course proper and install the new plastic rails, which has further enhanced Mornington's reputation as one of Victoria's leading provincial racetracks.

"With the recent merger of the Mornington Racing Club and the Melbourne Racing Club, these upgrades will ensure the club can present the course in the best possible condition and continue to be a popular venue for all racegoers," Mr Hulls said.

"Both racing clubs have long and proud histories, and the merger will result in a stronger racing club, with three racing venues [Caulfield, Betfair Park at Sandown and Mornington] and the capacity to deliver strong benefits for members of the Mornington and Melbourne clubs."

Mr Hulls was on hand as the last of 2000 metres of the new, lighter and safer rails were installed at the racecourse at a cost of $92,000.

The new Mawsafe rails, invented by Mordialloc plumber Dan Mawby and manufactured in Dandenong South, are made of plastic, rather than aluminium, and have the ability to flex, elevate and bend, reducing the risks to jockeys and horses should they fall. They have been installed at racecourses around the state as part of a $2.6million roll-out.

Mr Hulls said the track had undergone a $1.3 million resurfacing, with new drought-tolerant grass and about 22 kilometres of drainage. The turf had been in place since May and the club would begin trials later this month in preparation for the return of racing.

"This major facelift of the course proper will ensure the track surface becomes one of the most reliable in the state," Mr Hulls said.