Racing Queensland files plans for Gold Coast turf club night racing lights

NIGHT racing on the Gold Coast will become a reality after a major breakthrough today and a target date for the first race.

Get ready for Friday Night lights on the Gold Coast Turf Club (AAP Image/Joe Castro)

THE dream of night racing events at the Gold Coast Turf Club is one step closer to reality.

Racing Queensland today filed a development application to allow for light roles to be installed at the Bundall venue.

Under the plan, the club, known as Aquis Park, will be able to operate until 11pm, with racing to primarily occur on Friday nights.

Get ready to see plenty more of this at night Pic Tim Marsden

The last race would jump at 10pm with track lighting to be turned off shortly thereafter.

The poles are expected to range between 15m and 30m and will surround the racecourse.

GOLD COAST TURF CLUB NIGHT MEET BID IS OFF AND RACING

While night races are expected to primarily occur on Fridays, the proposal put forward by the turf club would not restrict its operating days.

Club chairman Brett Cook said he hoped to have the first night races held within 18 months, depending on council approval.

The floodlights will be installed around the park

“This will be a new revenue stream for the industry down here on the Coast and we are mainly looking to race on Friday nights as well as host interstate meetings,” he said.

“Down the road with Magic Millions and our new opening hours we will be able to have twilight meets and maybe we will be able to run the Millions’ two-year at 8pm.

“We have to go through the council process now.”

PUSH FOR RACING UNDER LIGHTS

The turf club met with council staff last month for a pre-lodgement meeting to discuss their plans.

There are currently no plans to increase the number of meets held at the club.

Magic Milliosn could be run at night Pics Adam Head

According to documents lodged with city hall: “the primary purpose of night racing is for television broadcasting.”

Specifically it hopes to court the Singapore market, which is two hours behind the Gold Coast, noting there was economic benefit for the city as a whole by staging night races.

MAGIC MILLIONS TO GET NIGHT PROGRAM

City planning boss Cr Cameron Caldwell said the application was the step towards a new day for the turf club.

“This application confirms that the turf club is transforming into a truly international venue,” he said.

“If approved the lighting will provide additional support to Magic Millions and other iconic Gold Coast events.”