FOLLOWING an extensive consultation period, the 2014/15 race schedules for the three Queensland racing codes have been approved by the Racing Queensland Board.
It is important to note there are a number of industry infrastructure projects currently under review by the industry and government.
Approval of these projects will affect the scheduling and location of some race meetings. Those infrastructure projects include Logan and Albion Park (Greyhounds); Eagle Farm and Townsville (Thoroughbreds); and Albion Park, Gold Coast and Redcliffe (Harness).
QUEENSLAND thoroughbred racing fans will finally get the opportunity to mix and mingle with the 'who's who' of race trainers on Friday May 9 when one of Melbourne's iconic racing events comes to town.
The inaugural 2014 Late Mail Luncheon® has invited an incredible line-up of thoroughbred trainers, celebrities and guests for a 4-hour lunch in the Ballroom of Sofitel Brisbane Central to celebrate this years' racing carnival in Queensland.
(IF you would like to win a double pass to the Late Mail Luncheon please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
HORSE racing has been ingrained within the culture of Alice Springs for decades; as the largest town in the Northern Territory, it regards the sport among its chief attractions.
One of the primary reasons why horse racing fans flock to Alice Springs for racing is because of the Pioneer Park racetrack - a picturesque and expansive stretch of land that stands as one of the country’s finest.
Come April this year, thoroughbreds will once again gallop their way down the famed track in hopes of winning one of the country’s most renowned races - the Alice Springs Cup Carnival. Arguably the finest showcase of Outback racing, it is one of the most eagerly awaited racing events of the year, for both enthusiasts and punters alike.
CONSTRUCTION of a $12 million new greyhound racing track at Logan will commence in May this year, delivering on the Newman Government’s election promise to rejuvenate the racing industry in Queensland.
Racing Minister Steve Dickson said the one turn track development was of pivotal importance to the future of the greyhound industry.
“The project will be funded through the Newman Government’s $110 million Racing Industry Capital Development Scheme,” Mr Dickson said.
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.
RACING Queensland (RQ) with the unanimous support of the Queensland industry today presented a revised Queensland Thoroughbred Investment Scheme (QTIS) program to the Racing Minister the Hon. Steve Dickson.
The program would require an annual injection from the State Government of $6.5 million. This would see the Queensland program return to its position as the number one breeding program in Australia.
RQ CEO Darren Condon stated that the introduction of the reinvigorated QTIS program would ensure that benefits of QTIS would exceed that currently offered in the southern states.
THE Queensland Government has demolished long-established bureaucratic barriers to enable Australia’s first quarter horse racing industry to be established in Queensland.
IN a MEDIA RELEASE from TEXAS in the United States, Premier Campbell Newman said that the government’s willingness to grant a new control body license for quarter horse racing had sparked interest in a potential $60 million investment in the Mary Valley to build a new equestrian facility.
MEMBERS of the Bob Bentley Board have issued a statement responding to the findings of the Commission of Inquiry into racing during their years of running the industry in Queensland.
We have decided to run this response in full as sections of the mainstream racing media, that were keen to bag the Bentley Board, don't seem interested. It is only fair that all sections of the industry are given their say and right of reply.
The Bentley Board response reads:
Read more: BENTLEY BOARD RESPONDS TO FINDINGS OF COMMISSION OF INQUIRY INTO RACING
RACING Queensland (RQ) is pleased to announce that Allan Reardon has been appointed Chief Stipendiary Steward of Queensland thoroughbred racing.
Allan brings to the role over 20 years of experience having fulfilled senior roles in thoroughbred racing administration throughout Australia.
Read more: IT'S OFFICIAL - THE MAIL ABOUT REARDON WAS RIGHT FROM THE INDUSTRY INSIDERS
The Ipswich Turf Club (ITC) track will undergo a $350,000 restoration funded by Racing Queensland.
Work will commence today following the ITC meeting, with racing set to resume on Wednesday, April 23, 2014.
Racecourse Infrastructure & Operations Manager Bill Shuck will oversee the project as part of his secondment to Racing Queensland.