Following their efforts in restoring the tracks, Eagle Farm Racecourse is getting ready to reopen the tracks for races before Christmas.
Eagle Farm Racecourse has been mostly out of operation over the past four years due to problems with the re-laying of the track surface. Once the track refurbishments are complete, BRC plans to have 35 race meetings per year, rather than the usual 50, until the newly laid track is tough enough.
The Eagle Farm Racecourse is expected to be fully restored in three years’ time. Until then, the new tracks will be given time to rest in between race meetings.
Brisbane Racing Club (BRC) General Manager Racing Matt Rudolph recognised the importance of monitoring the recovery of Eagle Farm once the racing starts again.
“A big focus of this track will be its recovery so we can ascertain early how many races and meetings we can run here,” Mr Rudolph said.
“For next year’s Brisbane Racing Carnival, we’ll be looking at running the Kingsford Smith Cup meeting at Eagle Farm with a two-week break then into the Stradbroke meeting. That will ensure the track is at its best for our premier meeting.”
Mr Rudolph also mentioned how the tracks can benefit from rest. He said that Doomben racecourse races superbly after a quick renovation.
Racing Queensland consultant Mick Goodie is the one overseeing the refurbishment of the tracks. He is optimistic about the track’s current progress.
“The track is improving by the day. It has improved immensely in the last few weeks,” Mr Goodie said.
He also said that he is happy with the results of the restoration. He is making sure that the track will be excellent to race on and that “they race consistently and they race fairly”. So far, he is happy with the results of the restoration.
“Everything we are doing here is about getting a good racing surface for a long period of time.”