New Toowoomba track gets thumbs up

Thursday 19 December 2013, 5:28pm

The new Toowoomba grass track has been cleared to host its first meeting on New Year's Eve after passing a crucial barrier trial test.

Racing Queensland CEO Darren Condon said he had received positive feedback following jumpouts held on the new track on December 10 and four barrier trials on Thursday.

"All trainers and jockeys have been delighted with the new turf surface and are eager to resume racing at Clifford Park on December 31," Condon said.

"The course proper, which is part of a $6.9 million redevelopment of the TTC (Toowoomba Turf Club), is proving to be one of the best in Queensland, enabling racing participants to race on a track that affords every runner a fair chance."

Toowoomba has been closed for six months after constant criticism about the previous all weather synthetic surface.

Racing Queensland has spent close to $7 million returning Toowoomba to grass after it changed to a synthetic track four years ago.

The switch back to grass came following complaints from owners and trainers and a decline in TAB turnover.

During the closure most Downs meetings were held at Dalby and Warwick while night meetings were switched to the Sunshine Coast.

The New Year's Eve program will feature a record amount of prize money for a Toowoomba meeting highlighted by the $175,000 Bernborough Handicap (1600m).

– AAP

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