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RQ set for new greyhound meetings

7 August 2020

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Racing Queensland has announced it will conduct new greyhound meetings throughout 2020/21 in Townsville and Capalaba.

Having commenced a three-month trial for a second weekly meeting in Townsville in late June, RQ has confirmed this will now be ongoing with coverage secured through Sky Racing.

Townsville will continue to conduct its Friday afternoon meetings every fortnight, with Capalaba securing the alternate Friday afternoon meeting.

Every other week, Townsville will conduct its second weekly meeting on a Saturday morning, paving the way for new audiences to be introduced to Queensland greyhound racing.

Capalaba will stage its first meeting on Friday, August 14 with Townsville scheduled to host its first ‘matinee’ meeting on Saturday, August 15.

Having enjoyed strong nomination flow since commencing the three-month trial – along with improving wagering numbers – Townsville Greyhound Racing Club President Gary Heath said today’s announcement would be warmly received in North Queensland.

“Greyhound racing has enjoyed exceptional growth in Townsville over the past two years and this decision reflects the support and hard work of local participants,” Mr Heath said.

In recent times, Townsville and Capalaba have enjoyed strong nominations, with each club averaging 107 greyhounds per meeting throughout 2019/20.

Since converting Capalaba from non-TAB to TAB in late 2018, the SEQ club has gone from strength to strength, and with RQ and inter-state PRAs exploring further opportunities to increase straight track racing, a second meeting at Capalaba every other week is expected to pay dividends.

“The additional racing is really exciting news," Capalaba Greyhound Racing Club President John Catton said.

“Straight track racing is hugely important for the development of youngsters, freshening the more seasoned types and the racing of a pure straight specialist is now very viable.”

In 2019/20, turnover on Queensland greyhound racing eclipsed $1 billion for the first time, with the unique Saturday matinee meeting expected to draw in new audiences in Australia and across the globe.