TODAY completes a milestone in the development of thoroughbred racing on the Sunshine Coast, with Queensland Racing Limited (QRL) and the Sunshine Coast Turf Club (SCTC) poised to operate a new business model from May 1, 2010.

The new partnership will see QRL manage and fund the training, racing and stabling facilities, with the SCTC concentrating on the marketing and development of the racing product and the members and public facilities at the SCTC.

The SCTC will also focus on maximising the racing facility to attract other entertainment opportunities outside of racing.

The enhancements of the facilities will commence almost immediately.

QRL chairman Mr Bob Bentley highlighted that the SCTC and QRL’s partnership has seen the Sunshine Coast training and racing facilities elevated to a standard comparable to the best in Australia.

“The board of QRL commends the Sunshine Coast Turf Club for their vision for the future of racing on the Sunshine Coast, and their cooperation and input in developing a modern racing administration model,” said Mr Bentley.

SCTC chairman Mr Don Jackson added that the partnership with QRL will allow racing on the Sunshine Coast to command a bigger role in the development and progress of racing in Queensland.

Mr Jackson went on to say, “The improvements made in the short time of this joint venture are testament to the value of having a partnership with the control body.

“Members and stakeholders could never have achieved this level of development without the partnership with QRL.”

QUEENSLAND RACING MEDIA RELEASE