The Queensland Greyhound Racing Club and Ladbrokes have struck a 10-year wagering partnership deal that will help secure the future of greyhound racing in the Sunshine State.
Entain – the parent company of Ladbrokes – and the new Club, which will run the $85 million state-of-the-art Yamanto facility known as The Q, signed the sponsorship deal, effective January 1.
It provides Ladbrokes with exclusive advertising and marketing access to Yamanto, including signage on all three tracks and naming rights status for the club's feature events.
"Ladbrokes is a proudly racing-led brand and this deal continues our long history of backing the greyhound racing industry and its participants,” Entain Australia & Zealand CEO Dean Shannon said.
“Our company is delighted to be the official wagering partner of the Queensland Greyhound Racing Club and The Q, which will be the pre-eminent greyhound racing facility in the world.
“We are also proud to be the naming rights partner of feature races such as the Brisbane Cup, Ipswich Cup, Flying Amy Classic and Origin Series.
“We cannot wait to help the club and Racing Queensland bring this new facility to life.”
Construction on The Q continues at pace, with 8,000 tonnes of sand being delivered this month to go on the one turn, two turn and straight tracks.
Weather permitting, the club is hoping to start trials in late February and early March. The club wants to conduct 1000 trials on each track before racing begins.
The track is set to be opened for racing in late April-early May.
Queensland Greyhound Racing Club chief executive Peter Gleeson said Entain was the perfect partner for the new facility.
“This is a true partnership,’’ he said.
“We want Ladbrokes to be the “go to’’ wagering choice for our patrons and stakeholders and this deal sets us up for wonderful community engagement.
“At a time when the greyhound industry in Queensland has never been so buoyant, especially with prize money, we see the relationship with Entain as a natural and logical progression for this club.’’
The Q at Yamanto will initially include 60 poker machines and a 350-person dining precinct and entertainment hub.
The club will also spend $3 million on a world class veterinary hospital.
Racing Queensland CEO Jason Scott said The Q will be a game-changer for the sport.
"The Q is poised to usher in a new era for Queensland greyhound racing, as the world-class facility edges closer to completion," he said.
"Ladbrokes' support of greyhound racing nation-wide has been unwavering, and we are excited to see that extend to the Queensland Greyhound Racing Club and The Q."