Warwick Boxing Day meeting to proceed despite storm damage

Warwick Turf Club will continue its popular Boxing Day race meeting despite suffering extensive storm damage that initially threatened to derail the event.

Picklebet Allman Park was hit hard late last month when a severe storm tore through the region, damaging barrier sheds, tie‑up stalls, the running rail, animal ambulance, winning post and the bookies’ ring. The November 28 meeting was abandoned, and early assessments suggested the Boxing Day program would also be lost.

However, a rapid community‑led cleanup effort has ensured the meeting can proceed, with Warwick Turf Club President Eric Standing praising the overwhelming local support.

“It’s a big relief for us to be back up and running again,” Standing said. “We had to move heaven and earth to get everything running again… the community has been right behind us and very supportive.”

While some facilities remain out of action – including the clubhouse, members’ bar and public bar – the club expects to be “80 per cent up and running” and is hoping for a crowd of around 1000.

Racing Queensland, the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission and industry partners have also stepped in to assist, with Acting CEO Lachlan Murray confirming Starlink connectivity will be installed to support race‑day operations.

“It’s incredible to see the rapid turnaround from the damage the club endured a fortnight ago,” Murray said. “Racing is part of the DNA on the Darling Downs.”