HISTORIC RACING MERGER
Historic racing merger as members vote for change
THE Gold Coast Turf Club could be overseeing Beaudesert Race Club as early as this Saturday’s Beaudesert Cup after members of the country track voted in favour of a historic merger.
In a decision that will change the landscape of racing in the region, Beaudesert members last night voted 32-1 in favour of a merger in the belief that it will secure their future and open the door for improved racing and major infrastructure upgrades.
“The Gold Coast Turf Club has been very flexible with the whole thing,” Beaudesert committee member Matt Ahrens said. “They are ready to step in and start managing the place and promoting it as soon as we give them the nod.
“This will give us the opportunity to step away from the everyday running of the place and the expense of it.
“We will be able to make some of those plans and work on long-term goals, plus we can use the expertise of the Gold Coast in general.”
The changes could start as early as this weekend, with the $20,000 Beaudesert Cup – one of the country club’s biggest race days – to run on Saturday.
Other plans include potentially leasing neighbouring vacant Beaudesert Council land to build stables while adding more on course.
Developing facilities where trainers can educate young horses will also be looked at while upgrades of the sand track and turf track are on the agenda. Beaudesert members had voiced concerns about training and racing fees and employment of raceday staff during an information night last week but were satisfied neither would be affected by the deal.
Gold Coast chairman Brett Cook said there would be more opportunities for both trainers and staff under the agreement with additional race meetings carrying more prizemoney.
“It’s a great result for both parties,” Cook said.
“If we can race under lights down the track then we can look at transferring some meetings to Beaudesert.
“It opens the door for people who work there on race days to come and also help us at the Gold Coast on some of our bigger days and six extra race meetings over the course of a season is an option to look at.”