MELBOURNE Cup-winning trainer Darren Weir hopes to have his new Warrnambool on-course satellite stables fully operational at the end of August.
The complex contains 40 boxes, plus a walking machine and treadmill on the site which was formally occupied by hobby trainer Mark Greig.
Weir has also taken over another on-course complex which comprises 14 boxes previously used by Symon Wilde.
Victoria's leading trainer will continue to have 50 horses trained at Wangoom and 12 horses under the care of former south-west jockey Mark O'Donnell at South Warrnambool
Weir's Warrnambool satellite stable foreman Jarrod McLean said bad weather over the past few months had put the project behind schedule.
"We're running a bit behind with the project but it's all because of the weather," McLean said.
"We're gearing up for a busy time over the spring with key chances in most of the feature races over the Melbourne carnival, so we want to have everything finished before then.
“Prince Of Penzance is making great headway in his attempt to win back-to-back Melbourne cups.
“The new facility should be great for the stable as its on-course and it complements our training at the local beaches and dunes."
Voodoo Lad, Magnus Reign, Kenjorwood, Ma Jones, Black Tomahawk, Refulgent and Royal Rapture are Weir's Warrnambool satellite runners at Flemington on Saturday. Warrnambool trainer Symon Wilde accepted with his tough stayer Straight Jacket, while Ciaron Maher has Loch Oir, Savvy Belle, Name The Day, Kapour and Manalapan running.
