Full fields signal the return of Bundaberg after major renovation

By Alex Nolan

"Bundy Mondays" are officially back.

The first meeting since July of last year is set down for Monday with full fields across a 10 race program.

It comes after major works to renovate the track and the installation of a new judges’ and broadcast tower, a new rail and lure system, new catching pen, new irrigation system, replacement of all fencing, new starts at 531 metres and 315 metres and a new sectional timing system.  

Trainers both locally and from afar have jumped at the chance to race on the all-new surface.

The first meeting comes just two weeks out from heats of the Bundaberg Wildcard heats and $24,000 Final.  

The series gives a locally-trained chaser the chance to progress straight into the $112,525 Group 3 Bundaberg Cup on March 27.

Speaking after the third set of trials held at the club since the renovations were completed, president Stephen Bland told Racing Queensland the feedback had been pleasing.

“Everything is going well and the track is holding up brilliantly,” Bland said.

“We had 58 go around at the first set of trials, and 55 on the second day and we had another 30 go around on the third opportunity.”

Bland said along with the new track, the feedback from the lure driver about the new system had been pleasing.

Bland - who also trains as well as being the club president - will have just one starter at the meeting, when Louisiana Flyer jumps from box three in race 10 at the meeting.

“The meeting was so popular that a couple of mine couldn’t even get a start,” Bland said.

One kennel set to be well represented is that of local conditioner Lorraine Isles.

She has five greyhounds set to face the starter, including a couple of new additions to the kennel in Wild Oates, Make Noise and Slick Suzie.

The leading trainer prior to the track’s closure, David Plummer, also has a strong team of six set to line up at the meeting.

One of his stronger chances will be last-start Albion Park winner Roger Ring, which is set to exit box two in race six.

Plummer, who recently received a clean bill of health following a five-year battle with cancer, told Racing Queensland earlier this month he was looking forward to a return to racing at his local track after venturing to Brisbane to race since the track’s closure.

“There’s a new rail, lure, track, fencing and catching pen, it looks like a completely new place. It’s so professional and looks like we belong in the system,” he said.

The meeting gets under way at 12pm, with the 10th and final race scheduled for 3pm.