After a month of uncertainty following a jockey walk-off in July over safety concerns, Brisbane’s premier racecourse, Eagle Farm, is set to welcome back racing by mid-September.
A collaborative effort between the Brisbane Racing Club, Racing Queensland, the Queensland Jockeys Association, and the Australian Trainers Association has paved the way for the track’s revival.
The controversial mesh covering the construction site, identified as the primary cause of safety issues, will gradually be removed this week. As builders install glass panels, each floor will be uncovered progressively. While the entire covering won’t be removed by the targeted September 14th race date, it will be lowered significantly, addressing the jockeys’ concerns.
Additionally, a protective sightscreen will be erected around the exterior of the building to mitigate any potential distractions or disruptions for the horses and jockeys. Racing Queensland chief executive Jason Scott expressed optimism that these measures will be in place for the September 14th meeting.
Recognising that many horses have yet to have recent exposure to Eagle Farm, officials are collaborating with the Trainers Association to facilitate familiarisation sessions. This may involve opening the course proper midweek for horses to acclimatise themselves, potentially accompanied by compensation schemes for trainers.
Resuming this event at Eagle Farm is crucial to resolving the safety concerns that led to the July walk-off. It signifies a renewed commitment to ensuring the well-being of horses and jockeys while maintaining the track’s premier status in the Australian racing scene.
Published Date 12-August-2024
