Track conditions praised at Monday’s Chinchilla TAB meet

The newly upgraded track and quality canteen offerings have been praised at Monday’s TAB meet, the second of the year. Find out more about the day here.

Chinchilla race meet Peter Kinsella, Jo Rayner, Peter James and Ray Sugar

Chinchilla Race Club hosted their second TAB meet of the year on Monday with guests travelling from Brisbane and viewers from the United States.

Mark Currie set the pace for the Toowoomba trainers with a winning double, taking out race 1 with Salacia and race 6 with New York Gal.

Meanwhile Born Fearless came home for Rex Lipp in race 2 and the Pat Duff trained Gentle Prince was the winner of race 3.

Rodney Hay was the only local winner with Sequacious taking out the BMO Accounting 0-50 Handicap.

Chinchilla race meet Lizzie King, Jo Rayner and Robert Wilson

The Corey and Kylie Gearon galloper On Hold was a popular winner in race 5 and Geoffrey Schrader’s winner in race 7 Barclays Bank concluded a successful day of racing.

Club president Jo Rayner hailed the day a success and said the team provided trainers, bookies and patrons with another fabulous day of racing in Chinchilla.

“The TAB meets are a fantastic opportunity to showcase what we have to offer to a worldwide audience – we have people in America watching Chinchilla Races – it’s great marketing for our sponsors and trainers and for the club itself,” she said.

“The track looked amazing and the day went off without a hitch which was great.”

Ms Rayner said significant improvements and changes had been made to the club.

“We are in the process of undertaking a focused review of club operations and looking to formulate a strategic plan that will ensure ongoing viability and success of the club,” she said.

“A much needed upgrade to the sprinkler system on the track has been completed, with thanks to Tom Morrison and TapT Plumbing. The irrigation system has been moved forward in order to ensure that the entire width of the track is getting water.

“For 200m after the finishing post and round to the 700m mark, the system has now been upgraded and subject to additional funding opportunities we hope to have the whole track under working irrigation.

“The improvement in the track alone was well received with trainers and jockeys all complimentary on the track condition. Huge thank you to volunteers and Track Mangers Michael Mawn and Bruce Deacon for their efforts in preparing the track for the day.”

Ms Rayner said the improvements to the track were noted with Brisbane punter Darryl Dunlop saying: “Great coverage of the meeting on Sky Thoroughbred Central – track looked in fantastic condition. Congratulations Everyone”

Catering in the canteen, chef Bevan Cox’s menu was also well received when Bookmaker Natalie Hinkley said it was “the best racecourse sandwich I’ve had in Queensland – very reasonable canteen prices during a cost of living crisis and they deliver quality – free tea and coffee – Chinchilla looks after its punters.”

Ms Rayner thanked everyone who attended the meet and looked forward to seeing them at the next event.

“Punters travelled out from Brisbane especially for this meet and to sample what country racing has to offer which was amazing. The next meeting will be held on Saturday, November 9 and we are looking forward to seeing everyone trackside,” she said.