THE committee of the Toowoomba Turf Club (TTC) has unanimously agreed to keep racing at their current Hursley Road premises, the traditional home of Toowoomba horseracing for the past 125 years.
Racing Queensland Limited (RQL) has written to the Club advising that, after consultation with experts in development, the shortfall identified between potential funds realised from the sale of Clifford Park and the cost of the Greenfield site development is too great to proceed any further.
RQL chairman Kevin Dixon commended the initial idea of moving.“This proposal has tremendous appeal, and it is natural to become quite excited at the prospect of a brand new facility. I commend you and your board for the foresight in considering this option,” said Mr Dixon.
“I advise that RQL will no longer support the Toowoomba Turf Club in the pursuit of this project. Further, RQL cannot support any decision taken by Toowoomba Turf Club to expend further funds on this project. We therefore strongly suggest that the Club move its attention to other potential projects that may add more immediate results in enhancing racing in Toowoomba. We believe that early action in some areas, together with a well-constructed forward plan for facility renovation, will serve the Club well into the future.”
TTC chairman Bob Frappell said the committee of the TTC have, after lengthy debate, agreed with the position of RQL.
“Although we were excited at the prospect initially we can see clearly the reality, and unfortunately in the current economic climate it is just not possible to achieve what we first hoped to,” said Mr Frappell.
“The focus of the committee is to return the club to grass racing as soon as possible.
“We are united in that approach and determined that all options to achieve grass racing will be examined and the final decision will serve the Club well into the future.”
TOOWOOMBA TURF CLUB MEDIA RELEASE