MIDWEEK MEETINGS TRANSFERRED WHILE WORK PROCEEDS
Following discussions between Queensland Racing Limited (QRL) and the Brisbane Racing Club (BRC) the decision has been taken to transfer two (2) Eagle Farm mid-week meetings in October 2009, to enable the BRC to renovate the Eagle Farm course proper.
Listed below are the meetings to be transferred:
- Wednesday, October 21, 2009 – Transferred to Gold Coast Turf Club (GCTC)
- Wednesday, October 28, 2009 – Transferred to Toowoomba Turf Club (TTC)
“There are a number of stages for this method of renovation which will be undertaken using rail movements across the entire course proper and resulting in the transfer of only two (2) mid-week meetings,” he said.
The stages are as follows:
- Thatching track
- Coring track
- Mow track from 4.5 inches to 2 inches which will remove thatch material and cores
- Deep tyne track
- Top dress with 10 to 15mm of a medium grade washed sand
- Apply nutrition and water
“The results from this method should improve turf strength, create increased root development, develop new stolons and rhizomes in the Kikuyu and improve soil infiltration and soil aeration,” said Mr Tuttle.
QRL and the BRC have also agreed to trial some remedial work on the grass training tracks at both Eagle Farm and Doomben. Once the results of this work can be measured, QRL and the BRC will review its effectiveness and will develop a more substantial works plan for the Eagle Farm course proper to be appropriately integrated into the 2010/11 racing schedule. QRL has agreed to provide funding for this initiative with its newly appointed racetrack development manager, Mr Warren Williams, to be responsible for the works.
In addition to the above work, QRL and the BRC have also agreed to relocate three (3) mid-week meetings leading into the Queensland Winter Racing Carnival. These dates and the revised venues are listed below:
- Friday, April 30, 2010 – Transferred to Toowoomba Turf Club
- Wednesday, May 19, 2010 – Transferred to Sunshine Coast Turf Club (course proper)
- Wednesday, June 16, 2010 – Transferred to the Gold Coast Turf Club
Listed are the revised programs for the October 2009 meetings, relocated to the Gold Coast (GCTC) and Toowoomba (TTC):
Wednesday, October 21, 2009 – GCTC
Class 5 Hcp $13,000 – 1800m
Class 4 Hcp $13,000 – 1300m
Class 3 C,G&E Hcp $13,000 – 1400m
Class 3 F&M Hcp $13,000 – 1400m
Maiden Plate SW $13,000 – 2200m
Maiden Hcp $13,000 – 1000m
3YO C&G Maiden Hcp $13,000 – 1200m
3YO Fillies Maiden Hcp $13,000 – 1200m
Wednesday, October 28, 2009 – TTC
Class 4 Hcp $13,000 – 1625m
Class 4 Hcp $13,000 – 1000m
Class 3 C,G&E Hcp $13,000 – 1300m
Class 3 F&M Hcp $13,000 – 1300m
Maiden Hcp $13,000 – 1300m
Maiden Plate $13,000 – 1200m
3YO C&G Maiden Plate SW $13,000 – 1000m
3YO Fillies Maiden Plate SW $13,000 – 1000m
“Despite the 2009/10 racing program being agreed, we have been able to reach agreement for works to occur on the Eagle Farm course proper this year with the likelihood of more substantial works to be undertaken after the 2010 Queensland Winter Racing Carnival but before the end of that calendar year,” said Mr Tuttle.
BRC chairman, Mr Kevin Dixon commented, “This two-stage plan will not only improve the racing surface for the 2010 Queensland Winter Racing Carnival, it will also give the course proper greater longevity allowing increased flexibility in respect of its further development as part of the overarching master plan.”
JOINT MEDIA RELEASE OF QRL & BRC.
For further information contact QRL senior communications officer Hollie Roberts on 07 3869 9760 or BRC chairman Kevin Dixon on 0419 706 354.