Published Friday, 21 December, 2012 at 02:59 PM
Minister for National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing
The Honourable Steve Dickson
Celebrate with Christmas races at Esk Jockey Club
Racing Minister Steve Dickson is encouraging Queenslanders to get into the festive spirit as Esk Jockey Club hosts its Celebrate Country Series meeting tomorrow.
Mr Dickson said the Celebrate Country Series was part of the Newman Government’s $4 million commitment to reinvigorate thoroughbred racing in regional and rural Queensland.
“I am determined to build a sustainable future for Queensland country racing, and these new regional meetings form a big part of that promise,” he said.
“This boost for racing in Esk will bring racegoers in from all over the region, and have important flow-on effects for businesses in the local community, as well as helping our struggling racing industry.
“The Celebrate Country Series includes a significant boost in prize money for each of the seven scheduled meetings in country Queensland, which encourages high quality racing.”
Mr Dickson said the six-race Esk Jockey Club meeting will carry $35,000 in prize money, including the $10,000 main event, ensuring quality race fields.
“The Esk Jockey Club has organised a family event for its Celebrate Country Series meeting, encouraging families to take advantage of the school holidays and visit a beautiful part of Queensland.
“It’s a great chance for families to enjoy authentic country racing with all the trimmings, including fashions on the field and baked treats from the Country Women’s Association.”
The Showcase Country Series, along with the Celebrate Country Series and Sustain Country Series, is designed to restore country racing, which plays an important part in both the Queensland economy and the fabric of rural and regional communities.
“Country racing is the lifeblood of the industry in Queensland, and this new special event meeting calendar is vital to kick-start confidence and excitement in the sport across the State,” Mr Dickson said.
Mr Dickson said the Celebrate Country Series was part of the Newman Government’s $4 million commitment to reinvigorate thoroughbred racing in regional and rural Queensland.
“I am determined to build a sustainable future for Queensland country racing, and these new regional meetings form a big part of that promise,” he said.
“This boost for racing in Esk will bring racegoers in from all over the region, and have important flow-on effects for businesses in the local community, as well as helping our struggling racing industry.
“The Celebrate Country Series includes a significant boost in prize money for each of the seven scheduled meetings in country Queensland, which encourages high quality racing.”
Mr Dickson said the six-race Esk Jockey Club meeting will carry $35,000 in prize money, including the $10,000 main event, ensuring quality race fields.
“The Esk Jockey Club has organised a family event for its Celebrate Country Series meeting, encouraging families to take advantage of the school holidays and visit a beautiful part of Queensland.
“It’s a great chance for families to enjoy authentic country racing with all the trimmings, including fashions on the field and baked treats from the Country Women’s Association.”
The Showcase Country Series, along with the Celebrate Country Series and Sustain Country Series, is designed to restore country racing, which plays an important part in both the Queensland economy and the fabric of rural and regional communities.
“Country racing is the lifeblood of the industry in Queensland, and this new special event meeting calendar is vital to kick-start confidence and excitement in the sport across the State,” Mr Dickson said.
Other Celebrate Country Series meetings will be held at:
· Mareeba on 2 March 2013;
· Ingham on 23 March 2013;
· Alpha on 22 June 2013; and
· Gladstone on 29 June 2013.
[ENDS] 21 December 2012
Media Contact: Anna Hilton 0408 191 192