Latest news with #RacingQueensland
News.com.au
4 days ago
- Business
- News.com.au
Betr to provide early fixed odds in deal with Racing Queensland and Racing Victoria
A corporate bookmaker has done a deal with a pair of racing bodies to end a Mexican standoff over early fixed odds markets for non metropolitan and midweek races. Racenet reported last month that social media chatter had caught fire following media giant Tabcorp's decision to realign its approach to the offering of odds for non-metro thoroughbred meetings. Punters who wanted to try to snap up early odds were left waiting until race day for prices for a range of lower tier race meetings available through TAB. Other bookies followed suit, creating an impasse. Now, if there are no fixed odds markets at 5pm on the day before Queensland and Victorian races, Betr has promised to fill the void. • 'If nobody goes up on Victorian and Queensland thoroughbred meetings the day before they're held, we will step in and aim to have a market up by 5pm to make sure punters can get on,' Betr chief trading officer Tristan Merlehan said. 'We're serious about giving punters the best-possible experience and that means doing our best to get markets up when punters want to bet. 'This follows productive discussions we've had with Racing Victoria and Racing Queensland and shows we can improve outcomes for punters if we're all pulling in the same direction. 'We will look to work with further racing bodies and expand our early markets coverage for the benefit of our shared customers.' • Port Adelaide Guineas winner set for Victorian test Racing Queensland chief executive Lachlan Murray hailed Betr's move. 'Bookie pricing is now very much a commoditised product and many of the operators rely on automatic pricing tools,' Murray said. 'The recent decision by TAB to delay posting various markets until the morning of the meeting has created somewhat of a standoff between TAB and the corporates with setting those early markets. 'Whilst lacking early markets is a blow to punters, what this circumstance has created is an opportunity for a wagering service provider to fill that gap. 'Betr publishing early markets is a great initiative … it's a great way for Betr to differentiate themselves from the other operators.' In response to its recent move, a Tabcorp spokesperson told Racenet last month: 'TAB prides itself on being market leader for racing' while also dismissing claims the changes were a result of recent staff cuts. 'We're first to market for the majority of thoroughbreds domestic races and that will continue,' the spokesperson said.
ABC News
4 days ago
- Health
- ABC News
Greyhounds die from injuries at The Q greyhound racing track before official opening
At least six dogs have died due to injuries sustained at Queensland's new premier greyhound racing track before its official opening, despite the promise it would be "as safe as possible" for animals. The three-track facility at Purga, near Ipswich, called The Q has been holding trials since March before its official opening this weekend. The Queensland government put $44.15 million from the racing infrastructure fund towards the $85 million facility. 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 Brisbane and Ipswich greyhound clubs have both relocated to the venue. In 2022, then-Racing Minister Grace Grace said the three tracks would have the "health and safety of greyhounds at the heart of design and construction" and the centre would be "as safe for dogs and trainers as possible". But Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds president Amy MacMahon, the former Greens member for South Brisbane, said dozens of dogs had been injured during the trials. "This is supposed to be the most advanced and safest greyhound racing complex in the world but it even before the official opening," she said. The Coalition claims seven dogs have died during trials. The ABC has been able to independently confirm six of those deaths. In correspondence with the Coalition, seen by the ABC, the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission said two greyhounds sustained hock fractures in late March and had to be euthanised. Steward reports showed Federal Recall died after a trial on April 21 and Travis' Scrub died after a trial on May 17. Feed Him Mungo was injured during a trial on April 25 and industry database FastTrack now lists the dog as deceased. It's a similar case for Hara's Mickey, who was injured on May 12 and is now listed as deceased on FastTrack. The Coalition claims there has been 16 deaths so far this year in Queensland. Ipswich resident Amanda Holly, who is the campaign manager of AnimalKind, (formerly known as Animal Liberation Queensland) said there was no way to make greyhound racing safe for the animals. "There's always promises that it's going to be safer and [have] better welfare for greyhounds, but greyhound racing just can't ever be made safe," she said. "The speeds these dogs are travelling at, the amount of dogs on the track, all trying to get to that one lure, it's just not an activity that's safe. "It's why so many countries in the world don't have this industry anymore. Claims that it can be made safe is whitewashing." Ms Holly said she was also concerned about the impact the facility would have on her community when it came to gambling. Racing Queensland declined to be interviewed, but in a statement a spokesperson said the organisation placed the "welfare of its animals at the heart of its decision making". The spokesperson said Racing Queensland delivered close to $1 million in greyhound welfare initiatives in the 2024 financial year. "In collaboration with the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission, we continue to explore and adopt new strategies to reduce the incidence of injury in greyhounds at race meetings in Queensland," the spokesperson said. "This includes analysis of injury data and research into risk factors for injury, and strategies to optimise track curation processes. A spokesperson for the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission said the regulator remained "committed to reducing injury rates among racing greyhounds". "[We are] continuously exploring and adopting new strategies, including enhanced analysis of injury causes through the Racing Injury Working Group, and providing ongoing education to participants on best practices in greyhound care," the spokesperson said. Ms MacMahon said the state government needed to undertake an "urgent safety review" into the industry. "The community no longer supports greyhounds dying for international gambling companies," she said. Her comments were echoed by Ipswich MP Jennifer Howard, who has previously spoken out against the new track. "I'd like to see an actual independent body established, that's separate to the industry, to scrutinise the industry," Ms Howard said. "[In the meantime] we've got a number of bodies who are keeping a very close eye on what's going on out there, and we need to pay attention to what they're telling us." Ms Howard said more than 10,000 submissions against the track were received when it was first proposed. She said similar tracks in other cities had been repurposed for different sports and was hopeful one day that will happen to The Q. "We need sporting facilities, we're heading into the Olympics," she said. A spokesperson for Racing Minister Tim Mander said the state government took animal welfare "very seriously". "We are committed to ensuring all racing animals are afforded high standards of care which is why it is a key priority for the Racing Review," they said. The Queensland Greyhound Racing Club, which operates out of The Q, was contacted for comment.
Courier-Mail
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Courier-Mail
2025 Stradbroke Handicap weights, betting: 51.5kg for Bosustow
Don't miss out on the headlines from Horse Racing. Followed categories will be added to My News. Exciting colt Bosustow will head to next month's Stradbroke Handicap with just 51.5kg on his back following the release of the weights for the $3m Group 1 at Eagle Farm. The Annabel Neasham and Rob Archibald-trained three-year-old will likely line up in Saturday's Group 1 Kingsford Smith Cup (1300m) before being aimed toward the Stradbroke (1400m) on June 14. Bosustow won the Group 3 Gold Coast Guineas (1200m) by a massive six lengths on a heavy track on May 10. 'He looks a real Stradbroke type, he'll definitely be competitive in the race,' Racing Queensland's chief handicapper Nathan Bourke said on Monday night. • PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet's team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW! 'It was hard to get him any higher than that (51.5kg). They get a 1.5kg allowance in this race under the weight-for-age scale. 'If I gave him any more weight then he'd be up there with Group 1 winners like Port Lockroy and Golden Mile. 'The three-year-olds are always hard to line up. Angel Capital (51kg) is another three-year-old who I think will be competitive if he gets a start. 'Ameena has got some good runs in Group 1 races in South Australia so there's a fair bit of interest in the three-year-olds, especially Bosustow and Angel Capital.' • 'He's going better than he's ever gone': Private Eye thrills Pride ahead of Kingsford Smith Cup tilt The Bjorn Baker-trained Stefi Magnetica took out the Stradbroke as a three-year-old last year but she won't be back to defend her crown this time. Impending (2017) and Sincero (2011) are the only other three-year-olds to salute in the time-honoured feature in recent years. War Machine (53kg) is the $4.50 favourite in the Stradbroke with TAB, ahead of Joliestar (56kg, $6), Benedetta (53.5kg, $11) Bosustow ($11) and Kimochi (54kg, $11). • Richard Callander: C'mon Queenslanders, settle down will you! Local hero The Inflictor ($15) will carry just 51kg and the Craig Cousins-trained gelding is assured of a spot after winning the Gateway (1400m) in December last year. Cousins has already indicated that Cejay Graham will ride The Inflictor in the Straddie. Brilliant sprinter Giga Kick, the 2022 The Everest winner, is the Stradbroke topweight with 58.5kg. The Clayton Douglas-trained star sprinter carried 54.5kg in this month's Group 1 The Goodwood in Adelaide when third behind Reserve Bank and Sir Sway. • 'Mixed emotions': Collett to return to New Zealand Only two Stradbroke winners have carried more than 56kg to win in the last 40 years (Rough Habit and Campaign King). Campaign King was also the last horse to win the Doomben 10,000-Stradbroke double, in 1988, with this year's 10,000 champion Sunshine in Paris is enjoying a spell before the classy mare is set for a tilt at The Everest at Randwick in October. Queensland star Antino was given 58kg for the Straddie but the Tony Gollan-trained gelding will be spelled and set for a Cox Plate campaign following his devastating victory in the Doomben Cup (2000m) last weekend. Originally published as Exciting colt Bosustow will head to next month's Stradbroke Handicap with just 51.5kg on his back
News.com.au
26-05-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Exciting colt Bosustow will head to next month's Stradbroke Handicap with just 51.5kg on his back
Exciting colt Bosustow will head to next month's Stradbroke Handicap with just 51.5kg on his back following the release of the weights for the $3m Group 1 at Eagle Farm. The Annabel Neasham and Rob Archibald -trained three-year-old will likely line up in Saturday's Group 1 Kingsford Smith Cup (1300m) before being aimed toward the Stradbroke (1400m) on June 14. Bosustow won the Group 3 Gold Coast Guineas (1200m) by a massive six lengths on a heavy track on May 10. 'He looks a real Stradbroke type, he'll definitely be competitive in the race,' Racing Queensland's chief handicapper Nathan Bourke said on Monday night. 'It was hard to get him any higher than that (51.5kg). They get a 1.5kg allowance in this race under the weight-for-age scale. 'If I gave him any more weight then he'd be up there with Group 1 winners like Port Lockroy and Golden Mile. 'The three-year-olds are always hard to line up. Angel Capital (51kg) is another three-year-old who I think will be competitive if he gets a start. ' Ameena has got some good runs in Group 1 races in South Australia so there's a fair bit of interest in the three-year-olds, especially Bosustow and Angel Capital.' Bosustow loves racing at @GCTurfClub! He dominates the Gold Coast Guineas for @ANeashamRacing ðŸ'° — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 10, 2025 • The Bjorn Baker -trained Stefi Magnetica took out the Stradbroke as a three-year-old last year but she won't be back to defend her crown this time. Impending (2017) and Sincero (2011) are the only other three-year-olds to salute in the time-honoured feature in recent years. War Machine (53kg) is the $4.50 favourite in the Stradbroke with TAB, ahead of Joliestar (56kg, $6), Benedetta (53.5kg, $11) Bosustow ($11) and Kimochi (54kg, $11). • Local hero The Inflictor ($15) will carry just 51kg and the Craig Cousins -trained gelding is assured of a spot after winning the Gateway (1400m) in December last year. Cousins has already indicated that Cejay Graham will ride The Inflictor in the Straddie. Brilliant sprinter Giga Kick, the 2022 The Everest winner, is the Stradbroke topweight with 58.5kg. The Clayton Douglas -trained star sprinter carried 54.5kg in this month's Group 1 The Goodwood in Adelaide when third behind Reserve Bank and Sir Sway. @bendorries76 — Racenet (@RacenetTweets) May 26, 2025 Only two Stradbroke winners have carried more than 56kg to win in the last 40 years (Rough Habit and Campaign King). Campaign King was also the last horse to win the Doomben 10,000-Stradbroke double, in 1988, with this year's 10,000 champion Sunshine in Paris is enjoying a spell before the classy mare is set for a tilt at The Everest at Randwick in October. Queensland star Antino was given 58kg for the Straddie but the Tony Gollan -trained gelding will be spelled and set for a Cox Plate campaign following his devastating victory in the Doomben Cup (2000m) last weekend.
ABC News
24-05-2025
- General
- ABC News
Koorooinya Races ditches Racing Qld licence, citing threat to 108yo traditions
An outback horse racing meet is running as an independent event after Racing Queensland demanded it build a $100,000 horse shelter to qualify for a licence renewal. Each May, people from all over north-west Queensland make the trek to Koorooinya Reserve, 400km south-west of Townsville, for the annual event. But this year, Oakley Amateur Picnic Race Club vice president Steven Larkin said licence conditions from the governing body put the 108-year-old tradition at risk. In a statement, Racing Queensland said Oakley and the Tower Hill Amateur Race Club, which hosts a sister-event in April, had opted not to renew their licences due to Licensed Venue Standards that came into effect in May last year. The standards dictate what facilities are required for race meetings to be conducted under a Racing Queensland licence. They include the condition of the track, car parks, horse stalls, mounting yards, veterinary facilities, steward and jockey rooms, and race calling towers. "Following the expiration of their licences … RQ met with representatives of both clubs to discuss their future direction," the Racing Queensland spokesperson said. "Both clubs subsequently advised RQ that in order to preserve the nature of their grassroots racing, rather than change their operations and upgrade facilities to comply with the Licensed Venue Standards, they would not elect to be re-licensed." Announcing their decision on social media, the Tower Hill Amateur Race Club said it was not made lightly. "We are so incredibly passionate about our bush racing, it's a love many of us have been born into," the club said in a statement. "Others have come to a race meeting and have never left because they love what we represent." Without a licence, the clubs can no longer access funding and public liability insurance provided by Racing Queensland. For the Oakley club, the decision not to renew means they had to pay a $30,000 insurance bill themselves, but Mr Larkin said keeping the tradition alive outweighed the cost. "It's why we are different, and we want to keep it that way." Grass-fed racing horses are often older rejects from the main racing competitions, that graze in paddocks on nearby farms. They also don't use barriers to start the race — instead, they use a flag start, where the horses trot up to the line together, a flag is lowered, and the race begins. Along with the horse shelters, Mr Larkin said the conditions to renew their licence with Racing Queensland included removing the flag start, which he said would completely change the competition. Racing Queensland said it provided $3 million a year through its Country Club Asset Funding program to assist country racing clubs to repair, maintain and replace facilities. Despite severing ties with the governing body, the club said it would maintain the racing standards set when it held a licence. Among those determined to keep the tradition alive is jockey Cameron Creevey. He said small country race meets gave him the chance to fulfil his passion for horse racing. A much-loved social event, he said the country race meet was about much more than just horses. "It's great just to meet people and have a few beers together," he said. Mr Larkin said the Koorooinya races provided a wonderful opportunity for remote farming communities to get together. "It's all about having three days off in a bush area," Mr Larkin said. "It's just something we look forward to year in, year out. "Our kids love it, and if we were going to miss one, I tell you what, we wouldn't have a very happy family in our household." In March, the Queensland Government announced a "landmark review" of the state's racing industry, covering thoroughbred, harness and greyhound racing. It appointed former chair of the Australian Turf Club Matthew McGrath as the chair. 'From our biggest cities to our smallest and most remote towns, racing brings our communities together," Minister for Sport and Racing Tim Mander said at the time. "We want to ensure the long-term financial stability, viability, and integrity of racing in the state." More than 1,200 submissions were made on the discussion paper, which included looking at the need for "fit-for-purpose infrastructure" statewide and safeguarding country racing. The final review is expected to be delivered in late 2025.
