The Kumbia Race Club has been enhanced ahead of the club’s iconic Melbourne Cup Day meeting.
Ahead of the Club’s marquee meeting on November 5, a brand-new broadcast and judges’ tower, as well as a removable running rail have been delivered via Round 5 of the Country Racing Program.
The new $87,000 tower, which sits adjacent to the finishing line, now accommodates the race caller, the primary television camera, as well as judges in the one facility, with much improved visibility of the track.
The tower has been fully galvanised and fitted with an insulated panel roof to improve the internal temperatures of the tower.
Racing Queensland CEO Jason Scott said the new tower was an important upgrade for the South Burnett-based club.
“The Country Racing Program recognises the social and economic benefits of country racing for regional communities, as well as country racing’s role in the Queensland racing industry,” Mr Scott said.
“The previous tower had been in place for several years, and as a result, an upgrade was required to ensure the safety of its many users.
“The timing of the project’s completion could not be better, ahead of the club’s annual Melbourne Cup Day meeting that continues to draw massive crowds from across the region.”
In addition to the new judges’ tower, the Club has also benefitted from a $38,000 upgrade to their running rail, which now has the functionality to be removed and re-positioned.
Kumbia Race Club secretary Myolene Kearney said both projects were important upgrades for the club ahead of their only race day of the year.
“It’s exciting, we’ve got new infrastructure in place with our race day just around the corner,” Ms Kearney said.
“Previously, there was an old wooden stand for the race caller, and then there was also the three-layered photo finish tower, so it has combined two old structures and makes it easier and safer to operate out of.
“The race day is probably the biggest event for Kumbia, we get around 900-1000 people there every year.
“We have already sold out of our extra seating, we had rain last month and the track is looking good, and we’re expecting big numbers this year in terms of patrons and hopefully the nominations come in as well.”
Additionally, PF Install Solutions have also fabricated and installed custom gates across the roadway from the mounting yard to the track for improved horse and patron safety.