Warwick raring to go with Boxing Day race meeting

Warwick Turf Club wants just one present for Christmas – good weather, after their Boxing Day race meeting last year was cancelled due to heavy rain.

The ‘Showcase’ meeting on Boxing Day will be a TAB meeting with SKY Racing coverage, thanks to the Newman Government’s initiative to rejuvenate country racing.

Racing Minister Steve Dickson said the meeting had become an important tradition.

“I know the club was very disappointed when the event had to be cancelled, it’s one of their biggest events of the year, rivalling the Warwick Cup meeting,” Mr Dickson.

Club president Jim Costello said club officials were anxiously watching the skies and the weather forecasts

“Fine weather on Boxing Day would be the best Christmas present we could receive”.

“We not only get a big crowd to our Boxing Day meeting, but it’s a different crowd to our other race days, with more young people and a distinct reunion atmosphere”

Mr Dickson said the government was rejuvenating country racing by providing $4 million over four years to enable 20 additional meetings a year as well as increased prize money at a number of meetings.

 “The Warwick Turf Club is now able to offer increased prize money across a number of races, with $20,000 in prize money for the main race, the Showcase Country Queensland Handicap.”

“This is going to provide Warwick with the opportunity to showcase its Allman Park race course and the quality of racing able to be conducted there to a wide audience.”

Member for Southern Downs, Lawrence Springborg, paid tribute to the club’s contribution to the local community and its Christmas calendar.

He said this year patrons at the race meeting could view one of two mobile LED super-screens, purchased by Racing Queensland.

“These screens are provided to enhance major race meetings at clubs throughout the State,” he said.

“They’ll add to the live on-course coverage of all the racing action – and help make this Boxing Day Showcase an event to remember for all the right reasons.”

The seven-race card, for total prize money of $80,000, will include a two-year-old maiden handicap over 800 metres, with placegetters eligible for QTIS bonuses of $12,000.

[ENDS] 23 December 2013

Contact: Michelle Buckworth 0418 433 647