15th August 2006
Queensland Initiative – Synthetic Tracks
Queensland Racing is currently investigating the use of synthetic tracks for the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and Toowoomba and also Eagle Farm and Doomben.
Bob Bentley who addressed a meeting of the Queensland Thoroughbred Breeders Association following judging of the Thoroughbred Section at Brisbane’s EKKA on Tuesday 15th August said that this research has shown that synthetic tracks would provide a massive saving in water costs, consistent surfaces without track bias resulting in improved betting turnover and, importantly for owners, an expected 80% reduction in leg injuries.
The expected cost to build a synthetic track for both training and racing would be in the vicinity of $5 million per race track.
Currently four different types of tracks are being investigated particularly for their suitability to adjust to the extremes of climate.
Racing Victoria have already spent $1 million plus on investigating synthetic tracks and are working in conjunction with Queensland Racing.