Training facilities in Townsville have received a significant boost following the announcement of a new fibre sand track to be built at Cluden Park.
With works set to commence in October, the $1.5 million upgrade will replace the existing sand training track with a Martin Collins Australia irrigated fibre sand training track.
Alongside the sand track construction, Racing Queensland will also install an additional bullring track within the infield at Cluden Park.
The bullring will be available for use through November, allowing locals to continue to train with minimal disruption as possible.
Member for Mundingburra Les Walker said the fibre sand track was part of an ongoing priority to deliver first-class racing infrastructure and training facilities across Queensland.
“With animal care at the core of its design, the new training track will provide an invaluable resource for North Queensland trainers,” Mr Walker said.
“The additional bullring track will also assist local trainers through construction of the fibre sand track, and I want to thank them and the Australian Trainers’ Association for working with RQ to provide an alternative training track.
“More broadly, racing is thriving in North Queensland. The industry generates more than $70 million in economic value to the Townsville region - a 127 percent increase since the Palaszczuk Government came to office - and supports more than 2,500 participants and close to 600 full-time jobs.
“We have a proud track record of supporting the Townsville Turf Club with new and upgraded facilities and this just adds more to this top-class club.”
A range of alternative training options will also be available to trainers throughout construction of fibre sand track.
Townsville Turf Club Chairman Malcolm Petrofski said the announcement of a new training track was welcomed by the club and local participants alike.
“It is fantastic to see this facility come to fruition with the assistance of Racing Queensland,” Mr Petrofski said.
“The fibre sand training track will be another quality asset for our trainers and compliment the amenities that have been established in recent years including the new jockey facilities and raceday stalls.
“It sets us in a great position to accommodate extra horses as we look to enhance our stabling options and will allow trainers to continue to work horses during the North Queensland wet season, with the existing sand training track needing to be closed during weather events.”
Works on the new fibre sand track are expected to be completed by late December 2023.