A $10 million project is set to deliver facilities for an extra 92 boxes on course at Townsville in North Queensland.
The new stables will be part of five barns housed on the back straight of the course and will allow a substantial boost on the current 120 horses trained out of Cluden Park.
The project will also include new feed rooms, washdown bays, horse exercise machines, improved road access and sealed parking.
Townsville Turf Club chairman Geoff Weeks welcomed the investment, which came via a $2.2 million contribution from Racing Queensland and $7.8 million from the state government’s Racing Infrastructure Fund.
“This stabling project will add to the club’s reputation as being a destination training facility for North Queensland-based participants,” Weeks said.
“Having new stables and the modern amenities that come as a part of the project will allow more trainers access to what will be some of the most sought-after facilities in North Queensland.
“With our new fibre sand track, the new stables are set to add to the region’s allure.”
RQ CEO Jason Scott said the project was an important one for North Queensland racing.
“Increasing the number of on-course stables across the state has been a priority of RQ’s over recent years, and we are delighted to assist in delivering this exciting project for the Townsville Turf Club,” Scott said.
“Presently, approximately 120 horses are in work at Cluden Park, with the delivery of this stabling facility expected to create further on-course training opportunities for local participants.”
Townsville Turf Club, which celebrates its 150th year in 2024, received nearly $7 million for course proper and maintenance facilities in 2015, $800,000 for track rectification in 2019 and a further $1.5 million for raceday stalls in 2021.
The course is scheduled to host 35 race meetings through the 2024/25 season.
“Racing in North Queensland continues to thrive and this new infrastructure at Cluden Park will ensure industry can keep pace with the growing demand for infrastructure,” Racing Minister Grace Grace said.
“This project will be music to the ears of the 2700 racing participants in the Townsville region, who are now on track for an even brighter future.
“It’s also great news for local jobs and the local economy, with the project set to support more than 50 jobs throughout the construction phase.”
