Cluden Park’s $10 million on-course stabling upgrade is now complete, with almost 100 new stables officially opened at the Townsville Turf Club, in time for the Northern Queensland Winter Racing Carnival.
The project included new feed rooms, wash down bays, horse walkers, improved road access and sealed parking.
Minister for Sport and Racing Tim Mander said the upgrades are part of the state government’s ongoing commitment to regional racing, contributing $7.8 million to the project and supporting more than 50 full-time jobs during construction.
“Racing in the Townsville region is growing at a rapid rate, and this on-course stabling will ensure the Townsville Turf Club is able to accommodate more trainers and horses than ever before,” he said.
Townsville contributes more than $75 million to the local economy, with over 2,600 participants at the coalface of the industry.
Townsville Turf Club chairman Geoff Weeks said the new stables and accompanying amenities will add to the club’s reputation as being a destination training facility for North Queensland-based participants.
“More than 100 horses are in work at Cluden Park presently, and we’re excited to be able to offer even more on-course training opportunities for our participants through the completion of this project,” he said.
“We have built a premier destination training facility in recent years, now giving trainers access to some of the most modern infrastructure in the state.
“Already we have received strong interest from trainers in south-east Queensland who are looking to secure stables at Cluden Park in what can only be a positive for the industry’s growth in the region.”