Scone Equine Group has announced that DA approval has been granted by Upper Hunter Shire Council to build a state of the art equine hospital and referral centre.

The facility, which will be located on Satur Road, adjacent to the Scone Racecourse and Racing NSW Equine Precinct, will allow the consolidation of Scone Equine Hospital's services onto one site and is the next step in the practice's 70-year history of delivering veterinary care for the Horse Capital of Australia.

Managing Director, Dr Cameron Collins said" "We are very excited about this development. This new hospital will allow our team of highly experienced veterinarians, which includes specialists in surgery, medicine, reproduction and anaesthesia, to provide our patients and clients with the latest in surgical procedures, medical techniques and diagnostic equipment in a modern and advanced facility.

"The strength of the Upper Hunter as the centre of the Australian breeding industry, coupled with the recent commitment by Racing NSW to develop Scone Racecourse into a major training centre with increased stabling and all-weather track facilities are key components in the decision to develop this hospital.

"As the concentration of horses in the area increases, so too do the expectations of their owners for access to the latest veterinary knowledge and techniques to maintain the performance and welfare of these athletes. This development will allow us to expand our services and keep this practice and the Horse Capital of Australia at the forefront of equine veterinary science." Dr Collins said.

The aim is for the new facility to be open by August 2023.