Queensland Racing Limited’s (QRL) racing services manager, Mr Paul Brennan said the project management team have provided advice that January 29, 2010 is the date that racing will resume on the course proper in Rockhampton.
“The racing and training facilities at Callaghan Park have undergone a remarkable transformation during the past six months and the confirmation of an opening date for the course proper is important to enable stakeholders and the Rockhampton Jockey Club to proactively plan for this historic date,” said Mr Brennan.“Due to the extent of the work carried out throughout the facility a small set of barrier trials will be conducted on the new track on Thursday, January 21, 2010, to ensure all raceday services and the racing surface is in peak condition for the opening meeting.
“Local stakeholders are to be congratulated for their patience during the construction phase and to reward them for their tolerance, Queensland Racing Limited and the Rockhampton Jockey Club will hold a BBQ breakfast prior to the barrier trials, at which stage an information session and walk of the new track will be facilitated for any interested parties.”
The alteration of dates to enable this meeting to be rescheduled from Thursday, January 28 to Friday, January 29, 2010 came about as a kind gesture by the industry focused Ipswich Turf Club which gave up their Friday race meeting to enable the Rockhampton Jockey Club to market this meeting to a broader audience.
Queensland Racing Limited and the Rockhampton Jockey Club will meet early next week to finalise a marketing and promotional strategy for the opening meeting.
Chief executive of the Rockhampton Jockey Club, Denis Cox said the Rockhampton Jockey Club is excited at the culmination of this major upgrade and grateful that Queensland Racing has taken the decision to mark this milestone with the running of a Friday race date and a $20,000 feature event.
“I would like to convey our appreciation to all local stakeholders for their support and patience during the construction period,” said Mr Cox.
"There is little doubt that these fantastic new facilities have secured a sustainable future for racing in Rockhampton and I look forward to working with Queensland Racing to ensure we are positioned to capitalise on their investment and to continue to promote racing within the Capricornia region.”
Rockhampton Jockey Club amendments to racing programs for January 2010
Friday, January 8, 2010 (to be conducted on inside sand track)
Open Hcp $10,000 1000m**
Class 6 Plt $12,000 1300m
Class 4 Hcp $10,000 1100m
Class 3 Hcp $12,000 1600m**
Class 2 Hcp $10,000 900m**
Class 1 Hcp $10,000 1150m**
Maiden Hcp $10,000 1100m
QTIS 3YO Maiden Hcp $10,000 1000m**
Tuesday, January 19, 2010 (to be conducted on inside sand track)
Open Hcp $10,000 1100m
Class 6 Hcp $10,000 1300m**
Class 5 Hcp $10,000 1000m**
Class 3 Plt $12,000 1600m
Class 1 Hcp $10,000 1300m
Class 1 Hcp $10,000 1000m**
Maiden Hcp $12,000 1150m**
QTIS 3YO Hcp $10,000 1100m
Friday, January 29, 2010 (opening day of new turf track)
Open Hcp $20,000** 1300m
Class 6 Hcp $10,000 1100m
Class 4 Hcp $10,000 1600m
Class 2 Hcp $12,000 1100m
Class 1 Hcp $10,000 1400m
Maiden Hcp $10,000 1300m
Maiden Plt $10,000 970m
QTIS 2YO Hcp $10,000 970m
** indicates amendment to original program
FOR further information please contact the QRL racing department on 07 3869 9777.
