The Queensland Government has officially opened almost 100 on-course stables at the Townsville Turf Club, as part of a $10 million project that also delivered feed rooms, wash down bays and horse walkers, road access and sealed parking.
Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for Olympic and Paralympic Games ,Tim Mander said the upgrades will ensure Townsville is ready for major events and remains a vital racing hub.
“Racing in the Townsville region is growing at a rapid rate, and this on-course stabling will ensure the Townsville Turf Club is able to accommodate more trainers and horses than ever before,” Minister Mander said.
“The Crisafulli Government is proud to support the racing industry, with $7.8 million contributed to this project that supported more than 50 full-time jobs.
“Cluden Park will soon take centre stage as part of the Northern Queensland Winter Racing Carnival, with the Townsville Cup and Cleveland Bay feature races on August 9 set to attract interest from across the state.”
Member for Mundingburra, Janelle Poole said the official opening of the stables came ahead of Townsville’s premier juvenile race, the QTIS 2YO Classic, run on Saturday.
“Racing is part of the fabric of the Townsville region and its economic impact helps sustain more than 500 full-time equivalent jobs,” Ms Poole said.
“More than 320 thoroughbred races and 1000 greyhound races are held in the region each year with attendances exceeding 42,000 people.”
Townsville Turf Club Chairman, Geoff Weeks said the new stables and accompanying amenities will add to the club’s reputation as being a destination training facility for North Queensland-based participants.
“More than 100 horses are in work at Cluden Park presently, and we’re excited to be able to offer even more on-course training opportunities for our participants through the completion of this project,” Mr Weeks said.
“We have built a premier destination training facility in recent years, now giving trainers access to some of the most modern infrastructure in the state.
“Already we have received strong interest from trainers in South East Queensland who are looking to secure stables at Cluden Park in what can only be a positive for the industry’s growth in the region,” he said.
