A DAY AT THE RACES - RACING INVITES YOU BACK TO THE TRACK

Treasurer and Racing Minister Andrew Fraser has called on Queenslanders to support the racing industry’s latest marketing campaign, developed to encourage race-goers back to the track after last year’s outbreak of equine influenza.

Mr Fraser today launched Queensland Racing Limited’s new marketing campaign at Doomben.

“The Bligh Government has allocated $546,000 to the racing industry for a marketing campaign to help it leave the EI crisis in the rear vision mirror,” Mr Fraser said.

Mr Fraser said the QRL ‘It’s actually more fun if you’re actually there’ campaign was aimed at promoting attendance at race meetings.

“Clubs which rely on gate attendance have suffered over the last 12 months with meetings cancelled due to quarantine restrictions. This campaign is about getting people back to the track in support of Queensland’s racing clubs,” Mr Fraser said.

“The industry overall has taken great benefit from televised racing which has proven very attractive to punters, whether at home or at the TAB or pub, and the growth in turnover during the past eight years is proof of that.

“But those that are experiencing racing only on television are missing a remarkable part of the theatre of racing as an event.

“This is about having people recognise a day at the races is a fantastic entertainment experience, full of excitement, colour and passion.”

“Television ads will be aired across Queensland from October to January. The message will also be spread across massive billboards around the state.

“Queensland was not officially declared EI free until mid-way through this year and it’s taking some time for things to return to normal.

“The Queensland racing industry is in direct competition with other leisure-based activities and people need to understand there is a lot more to a day at the races than just having a bet – it is the complete day out.”

Mr Fraser said that the Harness code would be undertaking a similar campaign in the lead up to next year’s Inter Dominion series on the Gold Coast.

“The Inter Dominion series is one of the world’s most prestigious harness racing events.

“Queensland only hosts this event once every six years, and next year’s series will be unique with Queensland’s Natalie Rasmussen, on board champion pacer Blacks A Fake, gunning for a fourth title in a row.

“We will contribute over $100,000 to help market the event as part of the Queensland Government’s $20 million EI financial assistance package.”

Race meetings:

Oct 3-4 Rockhampton: Central Qld ATC

Oct 18 Rockhampton: Jockey Club

Oct 18 Mackay: Turf Club

Oct 25 Townsville: Turf Club

Nov 29 Brisbane: Tattersall’s Racing Club

Dec 6 Brisbane: Brisbane Turf Club

Dec 13 Brisbane: Queensland Turf Club

Dec 20 Brisbane: Brisbane Turf Club

Dec 27 Brisbane: Brisbane Turf Club

Jan 1 Gold Coast: GC Turf Club

Jan 10 Ipswich: Ipswich Turf Club

Jan 18 Caloundra: Sunshine Coast Turf Club

Media Contact: Renee Mickelburgh 0458 357 539