RACING Minister Steve Dickson has today announced Texas will hold the first of the Sustain Country Series race dates next year.

Mr Dickson said the Texas Jockey Club would host the race meeting on March 16 next year as part of the Newman Government’s commitment to rejuvenating country clubs, racing and their communities.

“We’re delivering an additional $4 million over four years to help rebuild country racing across Queensland,” he said.

“Through our three country racing programs, the Showcase Country Series, Celebrate Country Series and Sustain Country Series, the Newman Government is providing a much needed boost to the industry, allowing clubs to attract stronger race fields and entice more patrons to the track.

“Texas Jockey Club has done a fantastic job rebuilding after being devastated in the January 2011 floods, and now they’re looking forward to putting on a great day for visitors and locals.”

Club president David Thompson said the extra meeting would give the club the opportunity to show financial and volunteer sponsors the results of their recovery efforts.

“We’re thrilled with the addition of the meeting and to be able to reward all the volunteers who worked so hard to rebuild the club after the flood is fantastic,” he said.

“Community celebrations are the lifeblood of small towns and we are already working alongside several other local clubs including vintage cars and the historical society to turn the March 16 - 17 weekend into a festival.”

Racing Queensland chairman Kevin Dixon said supporting country clubs was vital to the future of the industry.

“It’s great to see the community of Texas rallying around the race club and turning the additional race day into a festival event,” he said.

“We hope all the extra meetings in the Showcase, Celebrate and Sustain Country Series have similar effects on country towns and communities throughout Queensland.”

MEDIA RELEASE FROM OFFICE OF RACING MINISTER STEVE DICKSON.