Revamped race club to showcase Beaudesert

Queenslanders are being urged to celebrate the reopening of the Beaudesert Race Club with a country race meet this Sunday.

Racing Minister Steve Dickson said the Club was hosting the fourth meeting in the Showcase Country Series, part of the Newman Government’s $4 million commitment to reinvigorating racing in regional and rural Queensland.

“Sunday’s meet was originally scheduled for the Australia Day public holiday, but it had to be called off following the wild weather events across the state,” Mr Dickson said.

“You can bet on the horses but you can’t always bet on the weather, so I know the Beaudesert community and patrons from around the state will be keen to support the club this weekend.

“This event and reopening the Race Club shows we are determined to build a sustainable future for Queensland country racing, which is the lifeblood of the industry in our state.”

Mr Dickson said the Beaudesert Showcase meeting will carry $92,000 in prize money and be broadcast live on SKY Channel with full TAB coverage, providing a great boost for the club.       

“Each race meeting in the Showcase Country Series includes a feature race branded ‘The Showcase’, worth a minimum of $20,000,” he said.

“The Showcase Country Series, the Celebrate Country Series and Sustain Country Series are designed to restore confidence and excitement in the sport across the state.”

Further Showcase Country Series meetings will be held at:

·         Goondiwindi on 1 April 2013

·         Beaudesert on 25 April 2013

·         Dalby on 5 May 2013

Local MP Jon Krause said the Race Club’s recent $4.7 million redevelopment was funded through the Newman Government’s $110 million Racing Industry Capital Development Scheme.

“This project has delivered an improved and safer racing and training surface for more than 300 horses in the region,” Mr Krause said.

"Racing is a vital part of the local economy, and that’s why, just two days after the election in 2012, I met with local club members and got to work on delivering this facility.

“It will bring racegoers in from all over the region and beyond, and have important flow-on effects for business in the local community, as well as helping our struggling racing industry.

“It will also provide the people of Beaudesert the opportunity to come out in support of the club which was the victim of a senseless vandal attack earlier this month.”

Gates will open at 11am on Sunday and race-goers will enjoy live entertainment, fashions on the field and family fun activities.

[ENDS] 8 February 2013                                                     
Media Contact: Anna Hilton 0408 191 192