Eagle Farm racecourse in line for major revamp featuring event centre, new grandstand

A world-class events centre and new grandstand are being planned as part of a masterplan for Eagle Farm Racecourse following a spike in membership over the past two years.

Sharyn Ghidella, Chris Hurley and Cassie Reilly at Eagle Farm Racecourse. Picture: Richard Walker

A world-class events centre and new grandstand are being planned as part of a masterplan for Eagle Farm Racecourse following a spike in membership over the past two years.

After a challenging period of closures and restrictions during Covid, the Brisbane Racing Club is coming out the other side with growth of 33 per cent.

Brisbane Racing Club CEO Tony Partridge said the events centre and grandstand would be the “final piece of the puzzle” for the track’s masterplan.

“We are working towards building a new world-class events centre in time for Stradbroke Season 2027,” he said.

Mr Partridge said the plans for the events centre involved replacement of the John Power Stand at the members reserve at Eagle Farm.

The racing boss said he was expecting large crowds at two upcoming race days at Eagle Farm.

“We are projecting a crowd of 6000 people for Oaks Day and 15,000 for Star Stradbroke Day,” he said.

Eagle Farm Racecourse is in line for a major revamp.

“Hospitality is sold out and we could sell it out 10 times over if we had more facilities.

“Bjorn Again will also be performing on Oaks Day, which will be something for racegoers to enjoy. Star Stradbroke is one of Queensland’s richest races now, with a prize of $3m up from $1.5m last year.”

Mr Partridge said there were now eight races worth $1m or more, compared to just one three years ago.

“Separately we’ve had about six years of issues with the track … and after Covid, about 18 months ago we made the decision to change the grass variety,” he said.

“We took that risk and now it’s one of the best tracks and it’s racing really well.

“It provides a lot more cushion for the horses and as a result the horses can get up to full speed and we are getting much faster race times.”

Meanwhile, Channel 7 reporter Sharyn Ghidella said she was proud to be involved with the Brisbane Racing Club as part of a longstanding Channel 7 partnership.

“This Channel 7 Oaks Day I’ll be hosting Fashions on the Field, so be sure to come say hello and see all the gorgeous outfits featured in the competition,” she said.

“The buzz around the track is so special at Eagle Farm this time of year. It’s quite special watching the horses race down the straight towards the finishing line,” she said.

Ghidella said it was always great to get to the track.

“I think after the last few years we’ve had people are just so excited to return to events in general, and I suspect Oaks Day will be no exception.”