a day ago
Greyhound racing suspended at Queensland's new $85 million track due to unsafe conditions
Races at Queensland's new greyhound track The Q have been suspended after the track was deemed "unsuitable for racing".
It comes as the new $85 million facility grapples with a string of dog deaths since trials began at the track in March.
The Queensland Greyhound Racing Club (QGRC) said a watering issue was identified prior to trials being conducted ahead of scheduled races for Saturday's Brisbane Cup.
In a statement, it said teams worked to resolve the issue to allow the Brisbane Cup to go ahead, but the event was later cancelled midway.
Racing Queensland released a statement saying the Q2 track was unsafe for racing and events would be rescheduled.
Racing Queensland said it would complete a refurbishment of the track and a new field would be drawn for the postponed event.
"A final decision on whether the rescheduled meeting will proceed will be made after the refurbishments are completed including an independent assessment of the track."
The postponed Brisbane Cup will take place on Saturday.
The venue, which is a collaboration between state government-owned Racing Queensland and local clubs, has a one-turn, two-turn and straight racing tracks.
The Queensland government put $44.15 million from the racing infrastructure fund towards the $85 million facility.
The Brisbane and Ipswich greyhound clubs have both relocated to the venue.
Last month, the ABC revealed at least seven dogs had died due to injuries sustained at the racing track before its official opening.
Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds president Amy McMahon, the former Greens member for South Brisbane, said it was worrying that races went ahead on Saturday, despite concerns over the state of the track.
"We know that trainers were raising the alarm about The Q prior to the weekend — we had written to the minister that there are issues at The Q that needed to be attended to," she told ABC Radio Brisbane.
"They already knew on Friday that the track was unsafe … but they went ahead with at least two races on Saturday."
Premier David Crisafulli said he had spoken with the Minister for Sport and Racing Tim Mander, adding that greyhound racing is vital to "who we are as Queenslanders".
"The minister is asking the right questions," he said.
