FOLLOWING a hugely successful picnic races this year, Racing Minister Steve Dickson has announced Deagon will host another community race day in 2014.

Mr Dickson said Racing Queensland had approved a race meeting after overwhelming support from locals saw more than 7,000 people flock to the Deagon track last month for the first race day in 70 years.

“I’m very pleased to announce that Deagon race-goers will have the chance to do it all again next year,” Mr Dickson said.

“The Newman Government is committed to rebuilding racing in Queensland, and community race days like this are an important part of that promise.

“Family picnic race days are an opportunity for a wider audience to experience a social day at the track, and they also provide tangible flow-on benefits to local businesses.”

Mr Dickson said this year’s race meeting had been one of the most successful minor meetings ever staged in Queensland.

“The Sandgate and Districts Chamber of Commerce did a fantastic job in getting local businesses and community groups to back this year’s race meeting,” he said.

“When tickets went on sale they were sold out within six days, more than six weeks out from race day; and the Chamber of Commerce along with Racing Queensland and the Brisbane Racing Club will again be centrally involved in organising next year’s meeting.”

Member for Sandgate Kerry Millard said the 2014 race day was set to be held on Sunday 14 September.

“The fact that this year’s Deagon Picnic Race Day came to pass is a shining testament to the dedication of locals right here in Deagon and the entire bayside area,” Ms Millard said.

“A lot of hard work and community spirit went into its planning, and news that we’ll be able to host another meeting next year is just fantastic.

“I have no doubt at all that 2014’s meeting will be just as strongly supported, and look forward to working with organisers to ensure an even bigger and better day out.”