New jockeys’ rooms for Toowoomba

The Toowoomba Turf Club has received an $840,000 upgrade ahead of this week’s 1Equine Toowoomba Weetwood Raceday.

With the time-honoured Weetwood Handicap to be run on Saturday, September 28, Clifford Park now boasts brand-new quarters for its jockeys, with the renovation including separate male and female change facilities and the installation of a spa in each room.

The upgrades also include a new common room with lounge seating, a kitchenette, TV monitors for race review and broadcast footage, washing and drying facilities, as well as a new private medical treatment room.

Racing Queensland CEO Jason Scott said the project was an important enhancement for the Darling Downs club, which was funded through RQ’s Asset Management program.

“Previously, the existing female jockey rooms were undersized and required an upgrade,” he said.

“Clifford Park is one of the state’s most used facilities, hosting close to 50 race meetings a year, with recent data showing that the racing in the region contributed $190 million annually towards the Queensland economy.

“We look forward to seeing this new facility continue to enhance the raceday experience for riders in Toowoomba.”

The Queensland racing industry’s annual contribution to the Toowoomba and Darling Downs’ economy increased by 13% in FY23, with more than 1,400 full-time jobs in the region.

RQ’s Asset Management Funding provides upgrades for both racing and non-core racing assets including asset renewals, replacements, and new assets.

It will see 18 TAB clubs take receipt of almost $3 million worth of approved projects.

Toowoomba Turf Club CEO Grant Sheather was full of praise for the infrastructure funding.

“The club is extremely grateful for the latest funding for the upgrade of the jockeys’ rooms that are now completed and ready for use,” Mr Sheather said.

“Racing is the lifeblood of towns like Toowoomba and receiving this funding has enabled our club to improve the facilities, that will be greatly beneficial to our jockeys.

“On behalf of the Toowoomba Turf Club, I would like to sincerely thank Racing Queensland for their support of this project.”