State-of-the-art synthetic track for Clifford Park

Construction will soon commence on a new state-of-the-art synthetic track at the Toowoomba Turf Club.

The project, funded through Racing Queensland's infrastructure program, will replace the club's existing synthetic training surface with Gallop Track's latest all-weather system, providing trainers and horses with a modern, safe and reliable training facility for many years to come.

The new surface has been specifically designed to provide consistent footing, improved drainage and year-round usability, ensuring trainers have access to quality training facilities regardless of seasonal weather conditions.

Construction is scheduled to commence following the 2026 1Equine Weetwood Carnival, with Gallop Track undertaking demolition of the existing surface before progressively installing the new training track.

Member for Toowoomba North Trevor Watts said the project demonstrated the continued commitment to improving racing infrastructure across Queensland.

“This marks another significant investment in Queensland racing infrastructure,” Mr Watts said.

“The Darling Downs region more broadly is widely regarded as one of the state’s premier equine hubs, and this upgrade only further solidifies its status as a world-class training and racing facility.

“Clifford Park’s importance to the industry in Queensland was further highlighted in Queensland Government's The Next Lap, with the confirmation of new lighting infrastructure for the Club and the reinstallation of a harness racing track in the infield.”

The project will include the removal of the existing synthetic surface, preparation of the underlying track formation, installation of a new drainage and rebound system, construction of the Gallop Track synthetic surface, and associated commissioning and staff training.

The upgrade forms part of the Toowoomba Turf Club's ongoing infrastructure program aimed at providing high-quality racing and training facilities for the Darling Downs racing community.

Toowoomba Turf Club CEO Grant Sheather said the project represented one of the most significant infrastructure upgrades undertaken by the club in recent years.

"This project is about investing in the future of racing on the Darling Downs," he said.

"Clifford Park supports more than 600 horses in work each month and the existing synthetic surface has reached the end of its serviceable life.

“Replacing it with a modern Gallop Track surface will provide trainers with a safer, more consistent training environment while ensuring the club continues to deliver first-class facilities for participants.

"We've undertaken an extensive procurement and evaluation process to ensure we selected the surface that best suits Clifford Park's operating environment. We're pleased to be partnering with Gallop Track to deliver this important project."

Construction is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

The Darling Downs-Maranoa region is a vital contributor to the state’s economy, with more than $186 million in value added contribution recognised in FY25, whilst supporting more than 6,100 participants and 1,100 full-time jobs.

"This investment will provide participants with a modern training facility that supports horse welfare, improves training opportunities and strengthens one of Queensland's most important regional racing and training centres," RQ Acting CEO Lachlan Murray said.

"Projects such as this ensure our racing infrastructure continues to meet the needs of the industry while supporting the long-term sustainability of racing throughout Queensland."