End of an era for Rocky harness racing: Fraser

17August 2007

End of an era for Rocky harness racing: Fraser

The last scheduled meeting of the Rockhampton Harness Racing Club will be staged tomorrow after a decision by the Queensland Harness Racing Board.

Racing Minister Andrew Fraser said even though tomorrow’s event marked the end of an era for harness racing in the region, the Club remained licensed to schedule future meetings.

“I understand it is disappointing for the locals that the Queensland Harness Racing Board has chosen not to allocate any meetings to Rockhampton next season,” Mr Fraser said.

“This is not a decision made directly by the government, the independent Queensland Harness Racing Board has made a commercial decision in the best interests of the entire harness racing industry in Queensland.

“Sometimes those decisions are difficult ones.

“But it’s important to remember the Club still holds its licence and will be able to schedule meetings in the future.”

Mr Fraser said the Queensland Harness Racing Board will continue to license the Rockhampton Harness Racing Club and the track would be available as a training facility.

“The racing industry Australia-wide is operating in a very competitive commercial environment and it is increasingly difficult for the rest of the industry to financially subsidise racing at clubs with dwindling support from punters.

“The thoroughbred code undertook some difficult reform a number of years ago and that has led to a much more prosperous and thriving thoroughbred industry in Queensland. “

Media contact Chris Taylor 3227 8825 or 0419 710 874