RQ steps up training push with new Gold Coast education hub

Queensland racing will be bolstered by a new state-of-the-art racing education and high-performance training centre on the Gold Coast.

In one of the first major initiatives rolled out after the announcement of the Crisafulli state government’s “The Next Lap” strategy, unveiled in December, Racing Queensland (RQ) confirmed the new industry education hub will be established at the Gold Coast Turf Club. It will be known as The Racing Institute.

It will focus on nationally recognised qualifications, non-accredited training initiatives, and high-performance development, and will also serve as the new home of the Queensland Apprentice Jockey Program.

That program will offer personalised coaching and mentoring as well as support with physical conditioning, nutrition, and mental wellbeing.

The facility itself will include a high-performance gym tailored specifically to jockey athletic development, mechanical horses for riding simulation and skill refinement, interactive classroom technology, dedicated training classrooms and coaching and mentoring spaces, as well as rehabilitation and recovery facilities.

It is also set to offer on-site accommodation.

Interim RQ chief executive Lachlan Murray said the new facility will help grow participation, develop future talent and ensure a sustainable workforce for Queensland racing.

“This project marks the first step in a broader redevelopment of training facilities across the state, as part of a long-term commitment to building a skilled, professional, and sustainable racing workforce,” Murray said.

“Through strong collaboration and the support of the Gold Coast Turf Club, the former TrainTech facility will soon be transformed into a state-of-the-art racing education and high-performance training centre.

“This initiative forms a key pillar of RQ’s Industry Workforce Strategy, focused on attracting, developing, retaining, and sustaining the future racing workforce across all three codes.”

One of “The Next Lap’s” priorities was to provide industry education and high-performance development for jockeys.

“The project reinforces the Crisafulli government’s commitment to strengthen career pathways across the racing industry to ensure the long-term viability of all three codes,” Racing Minister Tim Mander said.

The initiative also strengthens the Gold Coast’s role as a key centre for southeast Queensland racing.

“The Gold Coast continues to strengthen its position as a progressive and growing racing precinct, with leading local and national trainers establishing stables in the region, alongside significant investment in infrastructure,” Member for Southport Rob Molhoek said.

It is also a feather in the cap of GCTC, which has undergone a major redevelopment in terms of on and off-track facilities in recent years, including the installation of a synthetic track, a thorough reconstruction of the turf track and installation of lights and tunnels.

“We have been working closely with Racing Queensland on this initiative for the past year and we are truly excited to be involved in what is a significant advancement for the industry,” GCTC chief executive Steve Lines said.

“It further enhances a lot of hard work we have done with the education sector through both the Equine Program at The Industry School.

“Furthermore, we have made significant investment in developing a state-of-the-art stabling complex at TrainTech which now can also be supported by this long-term forward-thinking Workforce Blueprint.”

The Racing Institute, which is under construction, has the support of the Queensland Jockeys’ Association (QJA).

“The facility is going to look amazing once completed and it is a great step forward for Queensland apprentices to have access to a world-class facility in the near future,” QJA general manager Glen Prentice said.

“We are lucky to have wonderful trainers mentoring our apprentices and the new facility is only going to enhance the training of our future stars in the saddle.”