Toowoomba Turf Club to replace Clifford Park synthetic track after Weetwood carnival

Toowoomba Turf Club will replace Clifford Park’s synthetic training surface after the 2026 Weetwood Carnival, with the new track expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Racing Queensland will fund the project through its infrastructure program. Gallop Track has been selected to install its latest all-weather system after the club conducted a procurement and evaluation process.

The existing surface has reached the end of its serviceable life, according to Toowoomba Turf Club CEO Grant Sheather.

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

“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.”

Gallop Track will remove the current synthetic surface before preparing the underlying formation. The project also includes a new drainage and rebound system, construction of the replacement surface, commissioning and staff training.

Sheather said the club had undertaken an extensive assessment before selecting the surface best suited to Clifford Park’s operating environment.

Racing Queensland Acting CEO Lachlan Murray said the investment would support horse welfare and improve training opportunities at one of Queensland’s major regional racing centres.

“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,” Murray said.