The Townsville Turf Club’s has received approval from the Queensland government to construct its 92 on-course stables at Cluden Park as part of a $10 million project.
The new stables will be housed across five barns adjacent to the racecourse’s back straight, with new feed rooms, wash down bays, and horse exercise machines. Improved road access and sealed parking have also been incorporated into the project design.
“This stabling project will add to the club’s reputation as being a destination training facility for North Queensland-based participants,” Townsville Turf Club chairman Geoff Weeks said.
“Having new stables and the modern amenities that come as a part of the project will allow more trainers access to what will be some of the most sought-after facilities in North Queensland. With our new fibre sand track, the new stables are set to add to the region’s allure.”
The project is being co-funded with a $7.8 million contribution from the Queensland government’s Racing Infrastructure Fund and $2.2 million from Racing Queensland.
“This project forms a part of RQ’s strategic objective to increase state-wide on-course stabling,” Racing Queensland CEO Jason Scott said.
“Increasing the number of on-course stables across the state has been a priority of RQ’s over recent years, and we are delighted to assist in delivering this exciting project for the Townsville Turf Club.”
Work is expected to commence this month and is anticipated to wrap-up in early 2025.
The upgrade continues further work that has been ongoing at Cluden Park since 2015 where there has been a refurbishment of the steward tower and the addition of 100 new tie-up stalls.
“Racing in North Queensland continues to thrive and this new infrastructure at Cluden Park will ensure industry can keep pace with the growing demand for infrastructure,” Queensland infrastructure minister Grace Grace stated.
“More and more trainers are choosing to race in the Sunshine State and we are building the facilities to accommodate them.”
