Following the finalisation of applications to train at the Brisbane Racing Club (BRC), the BRC Board has today announced that all Eagle Farm and Doomben trainers who made application can be accommodated at Eagle Farm Racecourse.

The BRC undertook a review process, with the goal of reducing club expenses. A forecast saving of $200,000 was made, by consolidating training to Eagle Farm.

The BRC Board today considered all applications to train, along with additional suggestions, bred from a recent meeting between local trainers and the BRC Chief Executive, Stephen Ferguson.

Kevin Dixon, Chairman of the Brisbane Racing Club, said “We are very happy to be able to accommodate all of the applications to train at Eagle Farm. I congratulate the trainers on proposing some alternatives to current practices, allowing us to continue providing training facilities for all of our local trainers”.

Areas to train and the ability to accommodate ‘A’ Trainers in the current raceday stalls, will allow us to provide training facilities for the additional horses at Eagle Farm. The tracks ability to handle the increased traffic was never a concern. The key issues are Workplace Health and Safety, tie up stalls and horse float movements.

Trainers will be categorised into ‘A’ and ‘B’, defining privileges such as training times and areas to train. The new permits will be in place from 1st August, with a transition period until 1st September, when Doomben will close for training. ‘B’ trainers will be accommodated in a separate area of the course, with full access to the training facilities.

Trainers have more reasons to smile, as they will only be required to pay fees for the number of horses they have in work, however this will be reviewed on a six monthly basis. Trainers not achieving an average of four horse in work over this time, will be reclassified as ‘B’ trainers.

Mr Dixon assured trainers that “The BRC will be working with our local trainers, to meet their requirements, ensuring a seamless transfer to Eagle Farm”.

“Our main concern in meeting these demands is the BRC’s ability to maintain Workplace Health and Safety standards. Some modifications are required to the current systems, to ensure everyone’s safety and efficient use of our facilities.” said Mr Dixon.

Mr Dixon stated that the BRC was very happy to achieve a positive solution for all.