Published Saturday, 11 July, 2009 at 06:00 AM
Minister for Tourism and Fair Trading
The Honourable Peter Lawlor
New synthetic race track opens in Toowoomba
A new era in horse racing begins in Toowoomba today with the official opening of the new synthetic track at Clifford Park.
Queensland Minister responsible for Racing Peter Lawlor said he is delighted to be opening the track and is excited to see the running of the club’s first metropolitan meeting and race program on the new surface.
“Today’s running of the Weetwood Handicap and Toowoomba Cup on the new surface represents an historic milestone for Toowoomba, for the Toowoomba Turf Club and for the racing industry in Queensland,” he said.
“Toowoomba has a long, rich and proud history in Queensland racing circles.
“Clifford Park has been holding racing events since 1862, the Toowoomba Turf Club was formed in 1882 with the first recorded Toowoomba Cup run in 1919.”
Mr Lawlor said the new cushion synthetic track at Clifford Park was designed to cope with weather conditions better than turf surfaces.
“It also does not require large amounts of water for maintenance which will help to ensure the sustainable use of our precious water resources, particularly here on the Darling Downs,” he said.
Mr Lawlor added synthetic tracks were becoming more popular with different types now used in America, Great Britain and in other parts of Australia.
“The Toowoomba Turf Club has always been very forward thinking,” he said.
“In 1996 it held Australia’s first night race meeting under lights which will continue on the new cushion track.”
Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine who worked hard to ensure Toowoomba received its fair share of moneys for improvements requested by the Toowoomba Turf Club says it’s a great day for the region
“I wish the club, its patrons and all concerned with Toowoomba Racing great success with its new venture,” he said.
Mr Lawlor said the State Government has committed $12M to the Queensland thoroughbred racing industry for the installation of synthetic tracks in south-east Queensland.
“Tracks have now been installed at Caloundra and Toowoomba and a third is planned for a location yet to be determined,” he said.
“The Bligh Government will continue to work closely with Queensland Racing to ensure this valuable industry which brings so much to Queensland in terms of jobs, revenue and enjoyment continues to thrive well into the 21st century.
Media contact: Marcus Taylor 3225 1005/0419 025 326 or Zoe Russell 3224 2002/0437 436 914
Queensland Minister responsible for Racing Peter Lawlor said he is delighted to be opening the track and is excited to see the running of the club’s first metropolitan meeting and race program on the new surface.
“Today’s running of the Weetwood Handicap and Toowoomba Cup on the new surface represents an historic milestone for Toowoomba, for the Toowoomba Turf Club and for the racing industry in Queensland,” he said.
“Toowoomba has a long, rich and proud history in Queensland racing circles.
“Clifford Park has been holding racing events since 1862, the Toowoomba Turf Club was formed in 1882 with the first recorded Toowoomba Cup run in 1919.”
Mr Lawlor said the new cushion synthetic track at Clifford Park was designed to cope with weather conditions better than turf surfaces.
“It also does not require large amounts of water for maintenance which will help to ensure the sustainable use of our precious water resources, particularly here on the Darling Downs,” he said.
Mr Lawlor added synthetic tracks were becoming more popular with different types now used in America, Great Britain and in other parts of Australia.
“The Toowoomba Turf Club has always been very forward thinking,” he said.
“In 1996 it held Australia’s first night race meeting under lights which will continue on the new cushion track.”
Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine who worked hard to ensure Toowoomba received its fair share of moneys for improvements requested by the Toowoomba Turf Club says it’s a great day for the region
“I wish the club, its patrons and all concerned with Toowoomba Racing great success with its new venture,” he said.
Mr Lawlor said the State Government has committed $12M to the Queensland thoroughbred racing industry for the installation of synthetic tracks in south-east Queensland.
“Tracks have now been installed at Caloundra and Toowoomba and a third is planned for a location yet to be determined,” he said.
“The Bligh Government will continue to work closely with Queensland Racing to ensure this valuable industry which brings so much to Queensland in terms of jobs, revenue and enjoyment continues to thrive well into the 21st century.
Media contact: Marcus Taylor 3225 1005/0419 025 326 or Zoe Russell 3224 2002/0437 436 914