The Cairns Jockey Club’s new $2.5 million state-of-the art events centre is now complete.
With the 2023 Northern Queensland Winter Racing Carnival underway, the new centre includes a function room, bar, tote facility, and provides seating for up to 300 patrons.
The fully air-conditioned building at Ladbrokes Cannon Park also includes large windows at the front of the building, providing excellent views of the mounting yard.
The centre was constructed by local companies including Clarke and Prince Architects and Richard Field Constructions.
Racing Minister Grace Grace said the opening of the new centre will be a welcome attraction ahead of the upcoming Red Beret Hotel Cairns Cup.
“This new centre will a fantastic raceday experience, as well as giving the Club capability to host functions including conferences, weddings and birthdays on a day-to-day basis,” Minister Grace said.
“Racing contributes more than $57 million to the Cairns economy every year, whilst sustaining more than 450 full-time jobs in the region, and this new centre will play a key role in driving further growth over the coming years.”
Cairns MP Michael Healy said racing events bring communities together.
“The social value of racing in country and regional parts of Queensland is clear and obvious, in addition to providing strong support for our local economy,” Mr Healy said.
“I am confident the $2.5 million investment to upgrade these facilities at Cannon Park was not only needed but will be welcomed by the many locals who will use them in a number of different ways.
“And, as an old stablehand, one thing I know, never squat while wearing your spurs.”
Racing Queensland CEO Jason Scott said the new centre would enhance the raceday experience for patrons for many years to come.
“Ladbrokes Cannon Park is the epicentre of racing in the Far North,” Mr Scott said.
“The new events centre will open the door to countless opportunities for the Cairns Jockey Club to enhance its precinct’s experience – both on and off the track.
“With the Northern Queensland Winter Racing Carnival arriving in Cairns on Saturday, August 19 – before returning for the famous Cairns Amateurs Carnival – the opening of the centre could not come at a better time.”
The new centre will be in action for the $75,000 Newmarket Handicap on Saturday, August 19, before the Northern Winter Carnival hits top gear for the running of the $150,000 Cairns Cup on August 26.
Ladies Day at Ladbrokes Cannon Park follows on September 8, before the Carnival’s crescendo, the Cairns Amateurs Cup, from September 8-9.
Click here for more information on the project.