Restaurateurs on the offensive to lure racegoers despite Stradbroke Hcp shifting location

BUSINESSES on a popular strip in Brisbane are feeling the effects of the Brisbane Racing Carnival blunder, fearing they could become collateral ­damage from the brouhaha.

Traders along Racecourse Road feel they might lose trade from post-race partygoers as a result of Eagle Farm closing indefinitely. Racecourse Road Business Group president Kate Peereboom says it will be business as usual. Picture: Chris Higgins

RACECOURSE Rd traders have declared themselves ready to serve as they fight to avoid becoming collateral ­damage from the latest ­winter carnival brouhaha.

Racing Queensland has ordered the Brisbane Racing Club shift three key race programs from its headquarters track to Doomben amid debate over the standard of the course proper at Eagle Farm.

Doomben hosted the Queensland Oaks card last Saturday and will also be the venue for the Stradbroke Handicap-Derby program on Saturday and Tatt’s Tiara Day on June 24.

Cafe, bar and restaurant operators in Racecourse Rd were looking forward to the winter carnival days as income boosters after a tough trading year but fear the loss of passing ­traffic could have dire ­consequences.

“It might be less than 3km between Racecourse Rd and Doomben but not having racegoers walk past the front door could be devastating,” one restaurateur said.

“We bank on people ­stopping in before the races for a coffee and coming back afterwards for a wine and dinner.

“When the races are at Doomben hardly a soul comes this way; they jump in taxis and go straight into town.”

Racecourse Road Business Group president Kate Peereboom said moves to ­entice racegoers to remain on course long after the final race was also impacting on business in Racecourse Rd.

“It’s a challenge for all concerned. The club is doing its best to keep patrons on-site and there is no argument there,” Ms Peereboom said.

“But you have to feel for the traders on Racecourse Rd who plan special menus and events to complement the racing carnival and they find themselves in a tough spot and it’s not of their doing.

“Mind you, they are not lying down.

“Every part of Racecourse Rd is open for business and racegoers would do well to visit.”

Michelle Barratt, manager at One Fifty Bar and Eatery, realises geography can be both a blessing and bugbear.

In a “conventional” winter racing carnival, the lavish appointments at One Fifty are little more than a canter from the gates to Eagle Farm racecourse, an easy stop-over for racegoers.

But this year, racing has shifted to Doomben, 3km away. Which might as well be 300km.

“Too often people just pass us by when the races are on at Doomben,” Ms Barratt said.

“We had good expectations the racing carnival would bring the customers, and we are hopeful that will still happen, that people will come our way and not head straight into town. They just have to remember we are open and have fine food and long, cool drinks.”