Approval delay puts trainers in tough spot

GOLD Coast trainers are having their race preparations hampered as they wait for Racing Queensland to sign off on elements of their proposed infrastructure plan.

Locals including Helen Page missed out on giving their horses valuable runs at trials in both Brisbane and the Gold Coast this week, potentially interrupting their current preparations and racing schedules.

Gold Coast Turf Club CEO Brett Cook said with the Eagle Farm track out of action it had put more load on courses including Doomben, Gold Coast and Deagon, who share hosting duties for trials.

Cook said it was affecting the track conditions of the three courses. Doomben shut out all visiting trainers, including Page, on Tuesday.

The Gold Coast was forced to postpone trials yesterday with some parts of the secondary track deemed unsafe to ride on. The trials would likely be shifted to next Wednesday.

The surface on the secondary track is due to be upgraded as part of plans to also build a tunnel and install lights for night racing at Aquis Park.

But Racing Queensland is yet to sign off on all three developments despite already lodging plans with Gold Coast City Council for the lights.

Cook said the grass had become so worn out on the secondary track that the club was forced to allow trainers to gallop their horses on the outside of the course proper.