INNOVATION: GALLOPS AND TROTS TEAM UP

GALLOPS and harness racing are set to combine for a gala day of racing at Clifford Park on Melbourne Cup day.

The proposed non-TAB race-day smorgasbord will feature five gallops and five pacing events on the inner-grass track.

Toowoomba Turf Club officials yesterday met with representatives of Darling Downs Harness Racing Club and stewards to discuss the feasibility and logistics of the plan.

Turf club chairman Bob Frappell said his committee has already thrown its support behind the novel day of racing.

“Our committee has agreed to the format in principal and now it’s a matter of working with the harness racing club and stewards to make it feasible,” Frappell said.

“It’s something new and different and if it goes ahead, I think it will make a great spectacle for our large Melbourne Cup day crowd.”

Frappell said the inner-track is set to host its first Saturday afternoon gallops meeting on September 14 despite Sunday week’s card being transferred amid ongoing construction work on the new grass course proper.

Warwick Jockey Club will stage the transferred TAB meeting which retains the program scheduled for Clifford Park.

“I am 100 per cent certain we are not going to give up another race day,” Frappell said.

“Everything will be in place for the meeting to proceed on the 14th which is also the night of our annual racing awards.”

Frappell said Clifford Park’s former woodchip training track is also on target to reopen with a cushion track surface by the end of this month.

The former harness racing circuit has already been converted to the synthetic surface.

“The upgraded harness racing track has been well received by trainers,” Frappell said.

RESERVATIONS for the racing awards night can be made with the club on 4634 6066.