Saturday Night Greyhound Racing Returns To Queensland
Racing Queensland (RQ) in conjunction with the Ipswich Greyhound Racing Club (IGRC) and Sky Racing have agreed to rejuvenate Saturday night TAB racing on a three (3) month trial basis commencing in October, 2013.
In a major coup for industry participants, the commencement of Ipswich Saturday night TAB racing will provide an additional race meeting in South-East Queensland, which will be funded from existing prizemoney allocations.
Queensland Greyhound Racing Board chairman Michael Byrne said the board is currently reviewing all operational models to maximise wagering and participation.
“Saturday night TAB racing at Ipswich has been one of the board's priorities since taking office in May, 2013,” Mr Byrne said.
“Racing Queensland has been involved in extensive negotiations with Sky Racing and the Ipswich Greyhound Racing Club and we are looking forward to this becoming a permanent fixture on the Queensland Greyhound racing calendar.”
IGRC president Rob Essex said the Club has fought hard for the opportunity to host Saturday night racing.
“The Ipswich Greyhound Racing Club wishes to thank Racing Queensland and Sky Channel for their support in providing this opportunity, not to mention the efforts of the committee and our members,” Mr Essex said.
“Besides the obvious benefit of an additional meeting, we are excited to offer the growing Ipswich shire an exciting venue for a Saturday night out during end-of-year celebrations.
“In our previous six week TAB-trial period, our on-course turnover alone was between 30 to 40 per cent, which demonstrates the punters support the concept of Saturday night racing.”