RACING Queensland (RQ) in conjunction with the Toowoomba Turf Club (TTC) today released the results of a recent performance analysis illustrating the positive impacts of the return to grass racing at Clifford Park, launched on December 31, 2013.

The analysis reviewed key performance indicators on wagering, race starters, attendances and food and beverage sales. The comparison took in the nine comparable meetings run in 2014 on the new StrathAyr track with those run in 2013 on the synthetic cushion track.

The analysis found that para mutual wagering turnover through Tattsbet has increased 41 per cent year-on-year totalling $5.6 million. This sign of consumer confidence illustrates punters preference to wager on the new multi-million dollar StrathAyr track at Clifford Park.

Supporting this finding was an 84 per cent increase in Fixed Odds wagering on the same race meetings.

Key racing statistics also paint a positive picture with the number of races run at the nine meetings increasing by five per cent and the number of race starters up by 13 per cent or 75 additional runners.

RQ CEO Darren Condon stated that the positive results provide optimism for racing on the Darling Downs.

“The Toowoomba Turf Club plays an integral role in the overall picture of thoroughbred racing in Queensland. These early results indicate that an air of confidence has returned to racing at Clifford Park and that punters and participants alike have welcomed the return to racing on turf.” Mr Condon said.

Racing Minister Steve Dickson believes the results of this initial analysis illustrate the importance of the State Government’s $6.9 million redevelopment at Clifford Park.

“The State Government is rebuilding racing in Queensland and these early results following the works at the Toowoomba Turf Club indicate a racing region on the rise,”

“The redevelopment delivered a world class thoroughbred track to the city of Toowoomba, and has enabled the club to once again attract strong race fields and bring more patrons back to the track.” Mr Dickson said.

TTC Chairman Bob Frappell stated that the impacts of the new course proper and key public facilities are not only visible in racing and wagering findings, but are also having a significant impact on the TTC’s trading results.

“The new grass track and recent refurbishment of key public facilities at Clifford Park has seen the results for January and February increase sharply in comparison to years past.”

“We have seen a spike in corporate and public bookings, January attendances increased by 25 per cent and our food and beverage sales throughout January and February exceeded $200,000, up 80 per cent on 2013.” Mr Frappell said.

RQ and the TTC are confident the positive results will continue and are most likely to grow further.

ANOTHER RQ MEDIA RELEASE THAT WASN'T DISTRIBUTED TO LETSGOHORSERACING (and then they bag us if we run anything critical on the Toowoomba Turf Club)