Tag: Albion Park

Harness Racing to Remain in Brisbane With New Racing Precinct in Albion

Photo Credit: The Next Lap/Delivering for Queensland

Harness racing will remain in Brisbane, with Albion confirmed as the future base of a consolidated racing precinct that will house key industry operations and facilities.

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Harness Racing Secured in Albion

Albion has been identified as the long-term metropolitan home of harness racing in Brisbane, following the release of The Next Lap, an industry-wide roadmap outlining the future direction of Queensland racing. The plan positions Albion Park as the centre of racing administration and operations while maintaining the sport’s presence within the city.

The announcement was made on 19 December 2025 as part of a broader package of infrastructure and operational changes across the racing industry.

Queensland racing
Photo Credit: The Next Lap/Delivering for Queensland

Shift Away From Relocation Plans

Earlier proposals had explored moving harness racing away from Brisbane to a new site outside the metropolitan area. Under the current plan, those proposals have been discontinued, with the previously identified Norwell site set to be disposed of.

The decision secures a permanent metropolitan location for harness racing, reinforcing Albion’s role within the industry.

Facilities Planned for the Albion Precinct

The Albion masterplan includes new spectator facilities for the Albion Park Harness Racing Club, along with new offices for Racing Queensland and the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission. A racing science centre will also be developed on site.

Bringing these functions together is intended to improve operational efficiency while maintaining clear separation between commercial and integrity activities.

Albion harness racing
Photo Credit: The Next Lap/Delivering for Queensland

Training Pathways Beyond Albion

The plan also outlines the development of a broader harness racing corridor. Marburg Showgrounds will be upgraded into an elite training and racing centre, located between Brisbane and Toowoomba. Harness racing is also set to return to Toowoomba, restoring a regular presence at the turf club.

These additions are expected to support participation, training access and regional racing activity.

What Happens Next

Racing Queensland is expected to lead the next phase of delivery, with a detailed implementation program scheduled for release in early 2026. This will outline the timing of infrastructure works, operational changes and future engagement with the industry.

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With Albion confirmed as the focal point, harness racing is set to remain a permanent feature of Brisbane’s sporting landscape.

Published 23-Dec-2025

New CEO Begins Plans to Renew Albion Racing Scene

Photo Credit: Albion Park Harness Racing Club/Google Maps

James Waddell has taken the helm at Albion Park Harness Racing Club with a clear goal to restore crowd numbers and revitalise the Brisbane racing venue.

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Leadership Transition and Vision

James Waddell has officially commenced duties as the new chief operations officer and chief executive of Albion Park Harness Racing Club. The role was previously held by Ken Rutherford, who is returning to New Zealand to take up a cricket administration position.

Mr Waddell’s appointment was confirmed by the club’s board, with officials citing his experience in wagering, gaming, and large-scale operations as key to future redevelopment plans for the precinct.

Harness Racing Club
Photo Credit: Albion Park Harness Racing Club/Google Maps

Industry Background and Proposed Developments

Mr Waddell has held senior executive roles in both retail and online wagering, including at UBET and PlayUp. His background also includes a decade managing casino operations for a major cruise line. Club leadership has indicated that these credentials align with future ambitions to transform Albion Park Harness Racing Club into a residential and sporting precinct, potentially incorporating licensed gaming facilities.

Focus on Reviving Attendance

The club’s new executive is focused on re-establishing Albion Park Harness Racing Club as a popular destination for live racing. He has expressed a strong interest in reviving the scale of attendance previously seen at the venue, where large race day crowds and supporting transport links once defined the local racing culture.

Mr Waddell has pointed to recent overseas experiences and domestic racing initiatives as examples of how racing events can be repositioned to attract large audiences in a competitive entertainment environment.

Strategic Comparisons and Industry Benchmarks

Drawing comparisons to initiatives in New South Wales, where strategic investment has significantly boosted racing engagement, Waddell has acknowledged the importance of long-term planning and market responsiveness. He believes similar strategic direction could reinvigorate interest in Queensland harness racing.

Albion Park Harness Racing
Photo Credit: Troy Griffin/Google Maps

Major Racing Event on the Horizon

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Albion Park Harness Racing Club will host the Inter Dominion series over the next three years, with the 2025 finals scheduled for July. The series is expected to attract considerable attention, especially with top Queensland pacer Leap to Fame among the competitors. Club officials see the event as an opportunity to rebuild engagement and showcase the venue’s racing calibre to a broader audience.

Published 29-Mar-2025