THOROUGHBRED horse trainer Matthew Dunn is spending nearly $500,000 building another stable block and installing new facilities at his training complex at Murwillum- bah.

Work is well under way erecting the stable block, which will incorporate spacious, well-ventilated horse stalls and tack and feed rooms.

The horse barn measures 24m x 36m - and Mr Dunn is ensuring any water that hits the roof expanse will not be wasted.

"We're installing a number of water tanks which will be able to hold 90,000 litres - we'll save a small fortune on water rates," Mr Dunn said.

After the state-of-art barn is finished, Mr Dunn plans to install a 10-horse automatic walker that will not only save a lot of man hours, but will ensure the horses are given a good workout.

Mr Dunn is having a tremendous debut season as a trainer in his own right, after previously being assistant trainer to Gerald Ryan.

He has trained 41 winners, including 15 in the metropolitan area, and amassed $551,500 in prizemoney for owners.

Mr Dunn's stables at Murwillumbah have been a tremendous boost to the Tweed River Jockey Club's coffers.

Each time a horse gallops on the training track or goes to the races, the club receives a fee.

Mr Dunn this season has had 201 runners. He also employs 17 full-time staff, all of whom live and spend locally.

To paraphrase a quote from the inimitable Jack Gibson: "Played strong - Dunn good."