Queensland Winter Racing Carnival to kick off in Toowoomba on Saturday

Queensland’s famous Winter Racing Carnival will kick off this Saturday with Toowoomba’s time-honoured Weetwood Handicap meeting.

Racing Minister Grace Grace said thousands of racegoers were expected to pour through the gates at Clifford Park Racecourse for the eight-race card.

“First held in 1895, the Weetwood is one of Australia’s oldest sprint handicaps and an annual highlight of the Queensland racing calendar,” she said.

“It marks the beginning of the Queensland Winter Racing Carnival and this year’s Weetwood will be bigger and better than ever.

“Early ticket sales indicate a bumper crowd and I want to congratulate Toowoomba Turf Club Chairman Bob Frappell, CEO Blair Odgers and their team for the great job they’ve done marketing this event.”

Ms Grace said the Queensland Winter Racing Carnival would continue through to July, with race meetings in Brisbane, Ipswich, the Gold and Sunshine Coasts.

“The Queensland Winter Racing Carnival has a habit of throwing up future champions, including Australia’s number one galloper Winx,” she said.

“It’s also a tremendous social occasion, attracting international and interstate visitors drawn by the festival’s fashion, glamour and renowned hospitality.

“On May 11 race fans will renew their love affair with Eagle Farm when the State’s premier racecourse returns to racing for the first time in almost two years.

“Eagle Farm has been transformed by a major refurbishment in time for the Queensland Oaks, Stradbroke Handicap and other feature races this winter.

“The new and improved Eagle Farm will bring punters back to the track and help to generate more wagering turnover, delivering greater returns to the racing industry.

“These are exciting times for Queensland racing and I’m looking forward to attending some of our biggest race meetings in coming weeks.”

For more information on the Queensland Winter Racing Carnival visit here: http://www.racingqueensland.com.au/Featured-Events/2016/Queensland-Winter-Racing-Carnival

Media Contact: Martin Philip 0427 919 548