BRC Unveils $20 Million Boost for State’s Racing Industry
Wednesday, 12 April 2017
The Brisbane Racing Club opened its new state-of-the-art stabling facilities on Wednesday 12 April 2017 in a huge boost for the Queensland racing industry. The $20 million stabling complex in the Eagle Farm infield is now housing leading trainers Rob Heathcote and Liam Birchley with all 430 stables to be filled in time for the Brisbane Racing Carnival next month.
Eagle Farm is Queensland’s largest training base with more than 500 horses using the tracks six mornings a week. The stabling complex is part of a $40 million investment of Brisbane Racing Club Members’ funds into the Eagle Farm infield, in addition to $10 million from Racing Queensland’s Racing Infrastructure Fund for the new course proper.
The investment includes:
Stabling complex for 430 horses
New vehicle tunnel to provide access from Nudgee Rd to the Eagle Farm infield
New pedestrian tunnel to provide access from the infield to the racecourse
New infield carpark for 1000 vehicles
Flood mitigation works
The super screen which has transformed the way races are watched at Eagle Farm
Resurfacing of the two grass training tracks
A modern irrigation system to service the course proper and training tracks
“This is a significant investment in a project that will boost the state’s racing industry,” BRC Chairman Neville Bell said. “We’re all proud of the feats of Brisbane horses such as Buffering on the world stage. These new stables are state-of-the-art and they will make the busy life of trainers just a little easier. “We’ve designed these stables to capture the wonderful Moreton Bay breezes and to ensure we’re providing facilities that mean Eagle Farm-trained horses can run to their potential.”
The BRC has funded the stables by borrowing against revenues from its joint venture with Mirvac, which is constructing the first of 1200 apartments near Eagle Farm’s home turn. “The BRC is backing the future of racing in Queensland by investing in these stables and other racing developments. These stables will be here for generations of trainers to prepare horses that will do Queensland proud,” Mr Bell said.
“There is no doubt that prizemoney levels, especially in provincial areas, have to increase – that’s a matter now recognised by Racing Queensland and the State Government. “The industry should remain confident that prizemoney levels will be satisfactorily addressed. Trainers and owners need to see improvements.
“As the state’s largest race club, the BRC will do its part to ensure that the training facilities are world-class and capable of taking our trainers into the future.” Some modules from the former Eagle Farm stables have been donated to the Gold Coast Turf Club and Chinchilla Race Club to assist with their needs.
This season, Eagle Farm-trained runners have collected more than $10 million in prizemoney. The Brisbane trainers’ premiership is dominated by Eagle Farm trainers, who fill 11 of the top 15 places, entrenching the track as the dominant training base in southeast Queensland. Mr Heathcote, trainer of Queensland turf legend Buffering, has moved 56 horses into the new stables while Mr Birchley has 30 horses in the new surrounds.
“This is the first time in Australia that the infield of a metropolitan racetrack has been utilised for stables. The BRC believes this initiative creates a training facility unmatched for its functionality and ease of access to tracks,” Mr Bell said. Designed by internationally recognised architects Populous, the infield stabling facilities provide a new integrated waste management system, centralised sawdust management facility, enhanced circulation within the stables, high-quality security, and a landscaped, central space for use by owners and trainers.