QRIC working in support of country racing

15 November 2023

The Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) has demonstrated its continued support for country racing during a track inspection at the Ilfracombe racetrack last week.

The Commission will assist country racing with boots on the ground, better planning and assistance for country clubs.

The Commission joined Racing Queensland to talk to local racing clubs from Ilfracombe, Isisford, Blackall, Jundah, Muttaburra and Longreach about process improvements.

The Commission has had the opportunity to discuss better ways of ensuring consistent track assessments are carried out and to seek agreement about track conditions to reduce the risk of meetings being cancelled in future.

QRIC staff including Chief Thoroughbred steward Josh Adams made the trip to the area he covered as a senior steward for more than two years to catch up with local stakeholders and he was encouraged about finding a way forward.

“The local clubs and volunteers know their tracks best and we hope to combine this knowledge to come to an understanding and to ensure we can continue to race safely into the future,” he said.

“Racing in these areas is unique, where race meetings are held only a few times a year, but they are a much-loved event on the community calendar often run by volunteers.

“We understand the importance of racing in these communities.

“While safety of the horse and rider is paramount in our decision making around race day activities, we want to understand and protect the future of country racing and yesterday’s meeting with the Clubs, jockeys and trainers was a positive step in that direction,” he said.

QRIC Deputy Commissioner Natalie Conner said the continued success of country racing was important to the future of racing in Queensland and she announced the placement of a permanent steward in Longreach as one of the measures that will improve communication between the Commission and clubs in the region.

“Country racing is part of the fabric of this state and the Commission has always aimed to work with race clubs and their communities to ensure racing events can safely go ahead without disruption and would continue to do so.

“We listened to the clubs to better appreciate their concerns so we can learn from recent events and better support clubs into the future, and a permanent presence in this area will be a good start” she said.

“We have also undertaken to prepare a document in consultation with locals to assist clubs to prepare their racetracks to a standard that everyone wants before their events.

“We have endeavoured to complete the document by March next year before the country racing calendar ramps up for another year,” Ms Conner said.

Ends.

Media contact : Vincene Overs
0472 842 346