Racing Queensland and the Gold Coast Turf Club have advised that the up-coming TAB Hollindale Stakes Raceday on May 11 will be transferred to the Sunshine Coast.
Staged as part of the Queensland Racing Carnival, the Hollindale Stakes was successfully run at the Sunshine Coast last year, establishing a new wagering record for the meeting while the Gold Coast course proper was being rebuilt.
Having conducted planned drainage works and sand grooving immediately following The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions in January, significant rain and humidity has impacted the return to racing at Aquis Park, with stakeholders committed to undertaking a cautious maintenance programme.
“The decision to transfer the Hollindale Stakes from the Gold Coast to the Sunshine Coast is in the best interests of the course proper for the long term,” Racing Queensland CEO Jason Scott said.
“Whilst we had every intention of returning the Hollindale to the Gold Coast this year, the climatic conditions have conspired against us.
“At the same time, it’s important that we provide certainty to our participants who can now target their horses towards the Sunshine Coast.”
As part of the Queensland Racing Carnival, the GCTC is also scheduled to host a night meeting for the first time on Friday, May 24.
A decision on whether the night meeting will proceed will be determined in the coming weeks.
“We’re obviously disappointed in losing our second biggest raceday on the calendar,” GCTC CEO Steve Lines said.
“However, having successfully worked hand-in-glove with the Sunshine Coast Turf Club last year, we’re confident that another highly successful Hollindale Stakes can be run at Corbould Park.
“We will reassess the course proper in a fortnight’s time mindful of the first ever Night Racing meeting on May 24 but given the significant investment that has been made on the course proper redevelopment, we will continue to do what is best for it in the long term.”
Further information in relation to ticketing and hospitality for the TAB Hollindale Stakes Raceday will be made in the coming days.