RACING Queensland has today released the race dates calendar for the thoroughbred, harness and greyhound racing codes for the 2016/17 racing season.

The release of 2016/17 race dates follows months of extensive consultation with key stakeholders across the three racing codes including race clubs, UBET, Sky Channel and various stakeholder associations.

THOROUGHBRED RACING CALENDAR

The key changes to the thoroughbred race dates calendar for 2016/17 are the foreshadowed introduction of a series of day/night (12 race card) meetings at the Sunshine Coast Turf Club on Wednesdays and Fridays, along with the reintroduction of Tuesday racing.

Other features of the new thoroughbred calendar include:

-        An increase in total TAB meetings from 430 to 443

-        The Non-TAB standard race meeting count remaining consistent with the current season at 277

-        The conversion of some country race meetings to TAB status

-        19 race meetings being upgraded from Sky 2 to Sky 1 broadcast status

Click on the link below to download the full 2016/17 thoroughbred racing calendar

http://www.racingqueensland.com.au/getmedia/0ace582f-81aa-4e56-8f74-ad8ed623b5d3/RQ-Thoroughbred-Race-Dates-16-17.pdf.aspx

The key to the calendar’s preparation was Racing Queensland’s desire to maximise returns to the industry through wagering and accordingly the following factors were considered:

-        Placement of meetings at venues to maximise wagering returns

-        An extension of the racing week to include Tuesday racing in regular programming

-        The need to optimise the racing clock through race meeting start and finish times

-        Twilight/night racing and other opportunities for innovation

-        Maximising broadcast opportunities

-        The potential for some Non-TAB meetings to be converted to TAB meetings to provide fiscal returns to the industry

“Although the emphasis has been placed on driving wagering, the need to provide greater returns to stakeholders through increased racing opportunities remains paramount,’’ said RQ Racing Operations Manager Ross Gove.

“Through the consultation process we have been able to accommodate the special needs of clubs and at the same time maintain a balance in the racing program that allows horses to compete in vital lead up races particularly around feature events.

“Whilst the return to what were previously successful patterns of racing was considered vital particularly given Eagle Farm’s return, so to was the need to explore other potential wagering opportunities such as the day/night meetings at Sunshine Coast Turf Club.

“The reintroduction of Tuesday racing was also considered important in helping to generate turnover, whilst also reducing the significant burden placed on stakeholders through the running of back-to-back race meetings in the northern region. At the same time this will significantly reduce the broadcast costs associated with those consecutive meetings which were prevalent throughout the 2015/16 calendar.

“The retention of the same number of standard country race meetings is seen as a positive outcome, particularly given that some meetings in the calendar which were previously run at Non-TAB level were upgraded to TAB status.  The latter not only ensures there will be additional financial returns to the industry though wagering, but it will also provide increased prizemoney opportunities for stakeholders.”

To complement the calendar’s release, the Group and Feature Race Schedule has been retained in a very similar format, although as is always the case the Winter Racing Carnival will be subject to review following the completion of the 2016 carnival.

HARNESS RACING CALENDAR

The main changes to the 2016/17 harness racing calendar centres around the creation of a feature Summer Racing Carnival following the removal of the Spring Carnival.

Other key changes include:

-        The Winter Carnival has been enhanced overall by the inclusion of The Premier’s Cup and The Gold Coast Oaks as lead-up races as part of the carnival;

-        The retention of regular programing, with Albion Park retaining Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturday nights, while Redcliffe will continue to race on Wednesday and Thursdays (in most circumstances).

-        Redcliffe to retain Saturday night feature Redcliffe Cup meeting

Click on the link below to download the full 2016/17 harness racing calendar

http://www.racingqueensland.com.au/getmedia/3003d1f3-35c5-491a-8006-578dd0aa24bb/RQ-Harness-Race-Date-16-17.pdf.aspx

GREYHOUND RACING CALENDAR

All greyhound clubs have received the same allocation of race meeting as per 2015/16. However, there is some movement within the calendar, including:

-        Cairns Non TAB meetings moved to Friday nights to encourage greater participation from stakeholders (especially those from Townsville) and spectators;

-        Cairns have been scheduled 5 TAB meetings on Tuesday nights to replace Townsville when the showgrounds are closed (28 June 2016, 5 July 2016, 27 Dec 2016, 3 Jan 2017, 27 June 2017). Work is underway to bring the venue up to TAB standard.

-        The Cairns Cup Series will be held on 28 June 2016 and 5 July 2016.

-        The Ipswich Show Dates have been allocated to Albion Park

-        Albion Park will have 12 races budgeted every Sunday

Click on the link below to download the full 2016/17 greyhound racing calendar

http://www.racingqueensland.com.au/getmedia/90434c6f-23f4-43db-9e9d-a0a6f0c695bc/RQ-Greyhound-Race-Dates-16-17_1.pdf.aspx