Suspicious equipment and footprints have been found during an investigation into a damaged section of the Gold Coast racetrack.
As officials race the clock to have the track repaired and suitable for racing before the $14.5 million Magic Millions meeting on Saturday, a police probe has uncovered several items that a senior Gold Coast Turf Club (GCTC) figure says could point to a deliberate act of turf poisoning.
A GCTC statement said spray nozzles, mixing equipment and footprints were found near the poisoned area of the track at the 500m mark.
“We’re awaiting an independent report from leading agronomist company Easton Turf, who has been up to take samples of the damaged turf, but it’s looking more and more a case of vandalism,” GCTC chairman Brett Cook said.
“We know the spray nozzles aren’t ours because they’re plastic and we use brass.
“Easton Turf has seen a number of similar cases in the past and has spoken with the investigating police.”
A key Magic Millions lead-up meeting was switched to the Sunshine Coast last week, but there is growing confidence that the Gold Coast will be able to stage Queensland’s richest race meeting on Saturday.
Victoria Racing Club track manager Liam O’Keeffe is assisting GCTC track staff with remediation work as Eagle Farm has been placed on standby to host the famous raceday.
Several turf specialists have also been recruited to offer their expertise while sophisticated machinery has been mobilised to help with the repair job.
Once work has been completed, senior jockeys will gallop horses over the course proper to further assess the condition of the track. An announcement on where the meeting will be held is expected on Wednesday morning.
The latest developments come after Racing Queensland boss Jason Scott said on Monday that he would be surprised if vandals caused the damage.
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But Cook believes sabotage “is looking increasingly likely”.
“If it does turn out to be a deliberate act … we’re very disappointed with a narrative that has come out suggesting it was some sort of mistake on our part,” he said.
Warwick Barr
