Ipswich on track for upgrade

Ms Grace said the redevelopment would include turf surface upgrades, new stewards and jockeys’ rooms, a function room and relocation of stabling areas to allow for commercial development.

The Ipswich Turf Club was one of the 64 racing clubs across Queensland to make a submission for infrastructure funding under the Racing Infrastructure Fund (RIF) which has $63 million available now, with a further $61 million of inflows expected from the Ubet agreement up until 2023.

Describing the Ipswich Turf Club as one of the biggest Thoroughbred racing clubs in Queensland, conducting around 45 race meetings each year, Ms Grace said the ITC was the heart and soul of the local community.

“It attracts thousands of racegoers each year and its Ipswich Cup meeting is one of Queensland’s largest race meetings by attendance. The club also plays a key role in the Ipswich economy – generating valuable income for trainers, jockeys, stable and racecourse staff along with other businesses and suppliers. It’s 26 years since the club received any funding for new infrastructure, so these new funds are clearly long overdue,” Ms Grace said.

The Minister said the redevelopment would not only ensure the club’s infrastructure needs were met into the future, it would also allow for potential additional income streams so that the club could secure its own viability and growth.

Thanking the Minister and Racing Queensland for their commitment to the project, ITC  chairman Wayne Patch said although there had been some false starts during the past decade, everything was now on track for a better future for the Ipswich Turf Club. “I know this investment will see the club grow and prosper and attract a whole new generation of race fans,” he said.

The redevelopment project includes $10 million towards:

The project also includes provision for up to an additional $3 million for the construction of a sealed car park for 125 cars, new race day stalls, float set-down area and other considerations, should the commercial development proceed.

The subdivision project on Brisbane Road will generate non-racing revenue to the club as a master-planned commercial and retail precinct which could include a supermarket, fuel, fast-food, automotive sales or a motel, pending state government and council approval for a change in land-use. Planning is under way regarding the phases and timelines of the project.

NINE Queensland race clubs facing hefty repair bills following Cyclone Debbie will share in $778,000 of capital grants from the Queensland Government.

Racing Minister Grace Grace said the nine affected clubs each would receive capital grants to cover out of pocket expenses incurred for track repairs. The clubs to share in the capital grants are:

“Cyclone Debbie delivered a heavy blow to nine race clubs throughout Queensland, with flooding rain and high winds destroying infrastructure and damaging on course facilities,” Ms Grace said.

“Together, these clubs face estimated damage costs totalling $2.25 million, with out-of-pocket costs of $778,000. The Palaszczuk Government won’t leave these clubs to foot the bill – that’s why we’ve established a capital grants program to assist in the recovery efforts. We’ll continue our efforts to support country and regional racing and work with stakeholders to build a stronger racing industry,” she said.

Ms Grace said Racing Queensland had also established a special fund to assist trainers who have encountered additional welfare, care and transportation costs. “To date Racing Queensland has received pledges totalling $140,000, with the special fighting fund providing payments to eligible trainers of $350 or $700, depending on the level of activity of each trainer,” she said.

CAPITAL Gain's outstanding win in the 1600m Group 1 JJ Atkins Stakes at Doomben on Saturday, June 10 enhanced the record of Australasia's best performing breeze up style auction, the Magic Millions 2YOs in Training Sale.

Entries are now open for the 2017 sale, with2YO gelding Capital Gain among a growing list of impressive early winners.

The 2016 sale produced a top price of $450,000 and 31 lots sold for $100,000 or more. The clearance rate was the highest of all Australasian two-year-old sales – a trend which has continued over the past three years.

Trained at Eagle Farm by Paul Butterworth, Capital Gain (Ad Valorem/Zurao) is now  one of the star youngsters of the country – less than nine months after he was bought as a ready to run 2YO.

After being originally passed in just shy of his reserve at the Adelaide Yearling Sale, Capital Gain was prepared by Moffatt Breaking and Pre Training for the 2016 Gold Coast 2YOs in Training Sale.

Capital Gain breezed stylishly at Seymour on September 16, 2016 clocking 10.24 secs for his timed 200 m gallop. About a month later he headed to the Gold Coast and was bought for $50,000 by Butterworth and Pharout Syndications.

"Our vendors are now professional pin-hookers, buying quality yearlings and educating them very well to offer as 2YOs that are in some cases just a month away from racing," Magic Millions Managing Director Vin Cox said.

"This Group 1 win and the success of international graduates will give us a great platform for the continued growth of a sale which already boasts the biggest buying bench of any breeze up style auction in the region. With the bonus schemes available, the attraction for quality fillies for the local market has real potential and with strong demand for colts from Asia, there's an incredible opportunity to buy," Cox said.