World-class training institute set for the Gold Coast
Racing Queensland is set to unveil a new state-of-the-art racing education and high-performance training centre at the Gold Coast Turf Club.
The new centre will become the flagship site of ‘The Racing Institute’ – a hub for industry education, nationally recognised qualifications, non-accredited training initiatives and high-performance development.
It will also serve as the new home of the Queensland Apprentice Jockey Program, delivering structured education, mentoring and elite coaching to develop Queensland’s next generation of champion jockeys.
The program offers personalised coaching and mentoring delivered by professional jockey coaches and mentors, as well as support with physical conditioning, nutrition, and mental wellbeing.
Racing Minister Tim Mander said the new Racing Institute is an industry-leading initiative and is on track to be open before the end of the financial year.
“The project reinforces the Crisafulli Government’s commitment to strengthen career pathways across the racing industry to ensure the long-term viability of all three codes,” Minister Mander said.
“The Crisafulli Government is delivering for this $2.5 billion industry that employs close to 14,500 hardworking Queenslanders.”
The Racing Institute is an initiative directly aligned to The Next Lap: A plan for the future of Queensland racing, providing industry education including nationally recognised qualifications, training initiatives and high-performance development for jockeys.
Member for Southport Rob Molhoek said the training centre reaffirmed the Gold Coast’s status as one of Australia’s key racing centres.
“The Gold Coast continues to strengthen its position as a progressive and growing racing precinct, with leading local and national trainers establishing stables in the region, alongside significant investment in infrastructure,” Mr Molhoek said.
The Racing Institute amenities will include:
- A high-performance gym tailored specifically to jockey athletic development;
- Mechanical horses for riding simulation and skill refinement;
- Interactive classroom technology;
- Three dedicated training classrooms;
- Coaching and mentoring spaces;
- Rehabilitation and recovery facilities; and
- Future on-site accommodation to support block training for regional participants.
RQ Acting CEO Lachlan Murray said that securing the development of the new facility represents a strategic and forward-thinking investment in Queensland’s racing future.
“This project marks the first step in a broader redevelopment of training facilities across the state, as part of a long-term commitment to building a skilled, professional, and sustainable racing workforce,” Mr Murray said.
“Through strong collaboration and the support of the Gold Coast Turf Club, the former TrainTech facility will soon be transformed into a state-of-the-art racing education and high-performance training centre.
“This initiative forms a key pillar of RQ’s Industry Workforce Strategy, focused on attracting, developing, retaining, and sustaining the future racing workforce across all three codes.”
The new facility aligns with RQ’s goal to grow participation, develop future stars, and ensure a strong, sustainable workforce for Queensland racing.
“We have been working closely with Racing Queensland on this initiative for the past year and we are truly excited to be involved in what is a significant advancement for the industry,” GCTC CEO Steve Lines said.
“It further enhances a lot of hard work we have done with education sector through both the Equine Program at The Industry School.
“Furthermore, we have made significant investment in developing a state-of-the-art stabling complex at TrainTech which now can also be supported by this long-term forward-thinking Workforce Blueprint.”
By delivering focused, high-quality support, the new Training Institute helps the next generation of participants excel and contribute to the long-term success of the industry.
“I was lucky enough to be at the Gold Coast in recent days, where GCTC CEO Steve Lines toured me through the construction of the new Racing Institute,” Queensland Jockeys’ Association General Manager Glen Prentice said.
“The facility is going to look amazing once completed and it is a great step forward for Queensland apprentices to have access to a world-class facility in the near future.
“We are lucky to have wonderful trainers mentoring our apprentices and the new facility is only going to enhance the training of our future stars in the saddle.”
