Racing Queensland has announced its winter programming including 15
Group races across the Metro North and Metro South West regions.
Having implemented a raft of strict biosecurity measures, including five
designated racing regions across the state, RQ will provide limited black-type
racing over a six-week period throughout May and June.
The existing restrictions limiting jockeys, trainers and other licensed
personnel to their designated racing zones will remain in place, however, RQ
will now allow conditional horse movement between zones for the purposes of
racing.
With patron-free race meetings being conducted across the state, RQ Chairman
Steve Wilson AM said the selected features had been developed following
industry consultation with clubs, trainers, breeders and owners and would
include QTIS bonuses for eligible Queensland horses.
“The Queensland racing industry has done a phenomenal job banding together
during this period,” Mr Wilson said.
“The establishment of designated racing regions, and the strict biosecurity
measures that we have adopted, has required large-scale changes to our
day-to-day operations.
“This is reflective of the Queensland community more broadly and is necessary
to ensure the continuation of racing during this unprecedented crisis.
“These are tough times and we must make a collective sacrifice. By programming
selected features, we are able to provide enhanced opportunities for our
Queensland participants.
“We all know any prize money cuts hurt – these are the salaries and wages that
sustain our industry – but we are committed to providing our participants with
hope as they navigate the social, economic and health challenges during this
turbulent period.
“We are also able to use the coming months to pay homage to a number of
Queensland racing greats including Ken Russell, Wayne Wilson, Pam O’Neill, Mick
Dittman and JJ Atkins.”
Having committed to a review of the transferal of racing animals between zones
after 14 days – click here to see the protocols – RQ will
soon allow horses including those from alternate racing zones and inter-state
to do so via commercial transport providers.
Horses transferring between existing Queensland zones will be required to do so
by 12pm on the day prior to their race, while inter-state horses must have
completed their journey prior to acceptance time of their nominated race.
The Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap headlines the Metro North feature races and
will be held at Eagle Farm on June 6 alongside the Group 1 JJ Atkins, while the
Group 2 Dane Ripper Stakes and The Roses will be staged the following week.
In the Metro South West region, Aquis Park will host the Group 3 Gold Coast
Guineas and Ken Russell Memorial on May 16, along with the listed Silk
Stocking.
RQ CEO Brendan Parnell said whilst a winter carnival could not proceed,
selected feature racing would continue in the Sunshine State on a limited
basis.
“It’s important to recognise that this is not business as usual,” Mr Parnell
said.
“The absence of the Doomben 10,000, the Derby and the Oaks is evidence of this
point, along with feature prize money levels being reduced by more than 75% and
black-type racing almost halved.
“At the same time, RQ will programme additional showcase races and meetings for
the Central and Northern regions to provide increased opportunities to those
parts of the state.
“It is imperative that we all play our role in adhering to the strict
biosecurity measures so that racing can continue in Queensland and can support
our 40,000 participants.”
Brisbane Racing Club Chairman Neville Bell OAM said the decision would ensure
that feature racing would continue in Brisbane in the same way it was held
during World War I, the Spanish Influenza outbreak and World War II.
“This is welcome news for Queensland’s racing industry because two weeks ago,
like every sport, we were facing the prospect of not being able to hold our
feature races,” Mr Bell said.
“Now, BRC members and the wider Queensland racing community can look forward to
the likes of the Stradbroke being run which will be a highlight during these
times.
“This has been made possible by the way that the industry has worked to strict
biosecurity measures in recent weeks with the raceday staff of each club
working closely with Racing Queensland and QRIC to ensure our sport
continues.”
Click here to see Racing Queensland’s
black-type races throughout May and June.