Celebrate country racing at Ingham

Far North Queenslanders have been urged to show their support for country racing in Ingham this weekend.

Acting Racing Minister Tracy Davis said the Herbert River Jockey Club would hold their Celebrate Country Series race date on Saturday, as part of the Newman Government’s $4 million commitment to help rebuild country racing across Queensland.

“The Newman Government is determined to build a sustainable future for Queensland country racing, and these new regionally focused meetings form a big part of this commitment,” Ms Davis said.

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

“Country racing is the lifeblood of the industry in Queensland, and this extra race meeting for Ingham is a vital part of restoring confidence and excitement in the sport across the state.”

Ms Davis said the six-event meeting offered $40,000 in prize money including a $10,000 feature race, the Celebration Open Handicap.

“This is a day the whole family can enjoy, with free entry for children under 14 accompanied by an adult, Fashions in the Field with prizes for the best dressed filly, best dressed stallion and best headwear, and the club’s famous trackside high tea,” she said.

“The meeting provides direct income for local community organisations; the Forrest Beach Surf Lifesaving Club look after the food and beverage facilities, the Ingham Tennis Club mans the gates and the race cameras, and Ingham Scouts provide clean up services including collecting cans for recycling.”

The Newman Government’s Celebrate Country Series, along with the Showcase Country Series and Sustain Country Series, are designed to restore country racing, which plays a vital part in both the Queensland economy and the social life in rural and regional areas.

Other Celebrate Country Series meetings will be held at:

·         Alpha on 22 June 2013

·         Gladstone on 29 June 2013.

“So get along and enjoy a fantastic day of racing this Saturday in Ingham, as part of the LNP’s reinvigoration of country racing,” she said.

[ENDS] 22 March 2013

Media contact: Anna Hilton 0408 191 192