The Redcliffe Harness Racing Club will shine brighter than ever following the installation of new broadcast lighting.
Funded through the Racing Infrastructure Fund, the $6 million project saw the delivery of new LED lighting and electrical infrastructure to showcase a better broadcast quality product for night racing.
The new lighting will also better facilitate safer trackwork in the early hours of the morning, whilst delivering more lighting uniformity across the track.
Racing Minister Tim Mander said the new lighting was a win for the entire harness racing industry in Queensland.
The state of the art lighting will better showcase the Queensland harness industry, which already contributes $232 million to the State’s economy,” Minister Mander said.
“The famous ‘Triangle’ remains one of Queensland’s most valuable harness training and racing venues, and hosts almost 50 per cent of the industry’s 302 race meetings annually.
“Importantly, the new lighting will be significant for the roughly 300 horses that trial or train at the venue every week.
“The Crisafulli Government is currently delivering on its promise to carry out the most comprehensive review of racing ever held in this State and will continue working to deliver modern and fit for purpose racing infrastructure for the entire industry.
“We encourage everyone who loves racing to have their say through the discussion paper process.”
More than 20 new full-time jobs were generated throughout construction, with new lights utilised for the first time on February 26.
“Redcliffe is synonymous with racing under lights, and we are ecstatic to see The Triangle brought to life brighter than ever,” Redcliffe Harness Racing Club Mark McNee said.
“It’s a significant upgrade from a participant and animal welfare perspective, with hundreds of horses working under lights every week.
“We cannot thank both Racing Queensland and the Crisafulli Government enough for their support in delivering this project.”
Redcliffe will again play an important role in this year’s Queensland Constellations, with the club’s premier race meeting taking centre stage in June, headlined $100,000 Group 2 Redcliffe Gold Cup, as well as both the Redcliffe Derby and Oaks.
The thrilling Trot Rods series will also return in April, with $10,000 on offer for the quickest 947-metre lap around The Triangle over 20 heats.