Racing Queensland CEO Brendan Parnell said the move was another example of RQ delivering on its vision to grow racing for future generations.
“It is pleasing for Racing Queensland to make this historic announcement alongside the Minister and Member for Capalaba,” he said.
“This announcement has been a long-time coming for the Capalaba club, its supporters and participants.
“The conversion of Capalaba meetings from non-TAB to TAB will unlock enhanced opportunities to engage even more Queensland racing fans Australia-wide and increase wagering returns back to the industry.
“I would particularly like to thank Tabcorp and Sky Racing for their important support in assisting Racing Queensland’s strategy to convert more meetings from non-TAB to TAB.”
Tabcorp Executive General Manager – Media and International, Mr Darren Pearce said his business was proud to showcase more Queensland racing product to audiences nationwide through its racing broadcaster, Sky Racing.
“I wish to congratulate Racing Queensland and the Capalaba club for working with TAB and Sky Racing to deliver this new and exciting racing product,” Mr Pearce said.
“Greyhound racing continues to grow in popularity with TAB punters and these meetings will now be showcased alongside the popular Healesville greyhound races on Sundays. It’s another clear sign of Tabcorp’s ongoing commitment to further promote racing in Queensland.”
Capalaba meetings will carry Class 5 status, with prize money also increased in line with the announcement of $3.5 million for the greyhound code including;
- Total prize money of $1575 for Maiden/Graded Races
- (1st - $1050, 2nd - $300 – 3rd $150 – 4th $75).
- Total prize money of $1840 for Open/Finals
- (1st - $1225, 2nd - $350 3rd - $175 – 4th $90).
At the first meeting on December 9, a feature $10,000 Best 8 Race will be run to mark the occasion.
During a visit to the Capalaba Greyhound Racing Club today, Mr Hinchliffe said the conversion of non-TAB races to TAB races was a boon for the club.
“Greyhound racing at Capalaba is about to have a national audience,” he said.
“It is a credit to the club and a credit to Racing Queensland as the organization moves steadily to a more commercial footing.”
Capalaba Greyhound Racing Club president John Catton said he and his committee were thrilled to join Racing Queensland in making this historic announcement.
“Some of Queensland and indeed, Australia’s best greyhounds have graced the turf here at Capalaba for decades and we’re so excited to now be able to show off our unique racing and community to nationwide audiences,” he said.
“This is an important milestone for the club as it will reward our loyal sponsors with maximum exposure and allow us to attract new sponsors to grow the club in the future.”
Member for Capalaba Don Brown also announced that the Capalaba Cup would be renamed the ‘Con Sciacca Cup’; in honour of a man who was instrumental in the success of the Capalaba club.
“Con was a larger-than-life figure with an unending enthusiasm for his community and public life, and this is a fitting tribute to a generous, hardworking man who was the club’s patron for many years,” he said.
Racing Queensland has also afforded the Cup Group 3 prize money of $37,500.
Mr Brown said he was thrilled that the famous Capalaba straight track was being thrust onto the national stage.
“The rest of the country will now be able to put two-bob each-way on their favourite dog from the Redlands.”
Mr Parnell said Racing Queensland had worked with the club to install the necessary infrastructure as well as worked with Sky to broadcast the races in the new Sunday morning timeslot.
“Converting the races to TAB is a great achievement for the club, trainers and owners as well as Racing Queensland. The increased prizemoney will result in better returns to everyone,” he said.