State of tracks a cause for concern
CONCERNS about the state south-east Queensland racetracks have again been raised after sections of the Beaudesert track deteriorated very rapidly.
Beaudesert, which hosted Wednesday’s meeting, has had a heavy workload as it has taken on more meetings in an effort to give Doomben a rest before the winter carnival.
The problems stem from the closure of Eagle Farm racecourse, which means venues for 50 meetings have needed to be found.
There have also been problems at other tracks including Ipswich, where on occasions there have been major downgrades of track ratings without any rain.
Beaudesert was rated a soft 5 in the morning but by race four it was clear sections were starting to fall away.
Despite it being a fine and sunny day, the track was downgraded to a soft 6 with jockeys getting wide from then on.
Stewards said because of recent racing and the large fields the section between the 700m and the 400m deteriorated.
Before race six a delegation of riders approached stewards expressing concerns with the surface between the 600m and the 400m.
Although jockeys felt the inside section was inferior they agreed to continue riding for the rest of the meeting.
Trainers and jockeys are again seeking a meeting with Racing Queensland to help find a solution to the problem.