Boxing Day races to proceed at Warwick

The highly popular Boxing Day races at the Warwick Turf Club will proceed despite recent storm damage which put the meeting in jeopardy. 

Late last month, Picklebet Allman Park suffered extensive damage as a severe storm swept through the town. 

This included damage to various racing and administrative areas such as the barrier sheds, tie-up stalls, running rail, animal ambulance, winning post and bookies’ ring. 

In the days following the storm, it was anticipated that the Boxing Day meeting would not proceed, with the race meeting on November 28 forced to be abandoned. 

But in a sign of community resilience, significant cleanup works have been able to take place which will allow the Boxing Day races to go ahead. 

Warwick Turf Club President Eric Standing said the club had been overwhelmed by the community support to get the venue ready for racing.

“It's a big relief for us to be back up and running again,” Mr Standing said. 

“We had to move heaven and earth to get to where we are and to get everything running again. 

“We've got a local builder that's offered his support and been right behind us all the way, and he has jumped in and done things for us. 

“The community has been right behind us and very supportive – I want to thank them, along with all the volunteers and our amazing committee.” 

Mr Standing said while some facilities may not be available at the meeting, he was still encouraging racegoers to head to Allman Park for a fantastic day of racing. 

“The clubhouse and members’ bar won’t be open, along with the public bar, but we are 80 per cent up and running,” Mr Standing said. 

“We are hoping to see a crowd of around 1000 people on the day.

“It'll be run the same as every other year, so just pack your bags and come in and enjoy the day."

In addition to the insurance works which are in place, Racing Queensland, Queensland Racing Integrity Commission and the broader industry have rallied behind the club to get it back on its feet.

Racing Minister Tim Mander commended Racing Queensland and the Warwick Turf Club’s resolve to overcome significant challenges and deliver an important event for the region. 

“Queensland race clubs must be empowered to deliver high quality race meetings for their communities,” Minister Mander said. 

“When the governing body, clubs, participants and volunteers work together, we can ensure racing not only endures but prospers.” 

Member for Southern Downs James Lister said he admired the volunteer-led team at Warwick Turf Club for their determination to return to racing. 

“I will continue to stand up for racing in the Southern Downs,” Mr Lister said. 

“This industry contributes more than $180 million to the broader region and employs more than 1100 people, which is why the Crisafulli Government has delivered a plan that paves the way to a brighter future for racing.”

RQ Acting CEO Lachlan Murray has also confirmed that Picklebet will provide Starlink, which was a recent recommendation of the Queensland Racing Review, to ensure services to the stewards’ room can be maintained. 

“It’s incredible to see the rapid turnaround from the damage the club endured a fortnight ago,” Mr Murray said. 

“Racing is part of the DNA on the Darling Downs, so it’s no surprise they have been able to come together and show their resilience. 

“We’ve been happy to assist the club to ensure they get back on their feet, and the provision of Starlink, which was a key recommendation in The Next Lap, shows it already starting to pay dividends for the industry. 

“We’re looking forward to seeing the races on Boxing Day.”