Participants will be able to enjoy improved facilities at Capalaba Greyhound Racing Club following the delivery of brand-new kennels.
The $160,000 project, funded by Racing Queensland, has seen the replacement of 119 existing kennels that were deteriorating after flood damage.
Racing Queensland EGM Operations Adam Wallish welcomed the new facilities ahead of the Capalaba Cup to be held this Sunday, October 8.
“The installation of the new kennels at Capalaba continues the club’s modernisation and importantly the care and wellbeing of our animals,” Mr. Wallish said.
“The popularity of racing at Capalaba continues to grow year in, year out and first-class kennelling will only continue to escalate this trend.
“It is also great to have the new kennels completed and operational prior to the Capalaba Cup as a lovely complement to the Cup becoming Australia’s richest straight track greyhound race, with an incredible $75,000 going to the winner.”
Member for Capalaba Don Brown said the upgrade was a vote of confidence in Queensland’s thriving greyhound code.
“Greyhound racing contributed a record $301 million towards the State’s economy in 2021-22, which represents a 167 percent increase since 2015,” he said.
“It’s fantastic to see that the Palaszczuk Government’s important racing reforms around animal welfare, integrity and financial sustainability have given the industry confidence to invest in local greyhound clubs like Capalaba and is setting them up for future success.”
Capalaba Greyhound Racing Club Manager Erin Cameron said the replacement of kennels was much needed following the 2022 flood event.
“It’s so important to have nice new kennels and we really appreciate Racing Queensland funding them,” Cameron said.
“Our old kennels were quickly deteriorating after the 2022 floods.
“We are looking forward to the 2023 Con Sciacca TAB Capalaba Cup following the heats over the weekend.
“We are very excited about this year’s total prizemoney of $112,500, which is putting straight track racing on the map.”
The 2023 Capalaba Cup, to be run over 366m, has been elevated to Group 2 status.
It has attracted a quality field with Queensland Straight Track Championship Final winner Valhalla and last year’s Capalaba Cup consolation winner Fernando Grand lining up.