Murray Weeding reflects on career as Sunshine Coast turf club continues to shine

To many the Sunshine Coast Turf Club is rated as the best track in Queensland and racecourse and facilities manager Murray Weeding says there’s a good reason why.

Fancied as the best track in Queensland by a number of jockeys, trainers and racing personalities, Sunshine Coast turf club racecourse and facilities manager Murray Weeding has reflected on his time at the helm.

The former Wagga racecourse track manager for 14 years will make it 22 years at Corbould Park in December.

After hosting the most race meetings in Australia last season, Weeding said he was proud of the continuous improvement at the club.

“Very proud with how the facilities are going, how the board is progressing, the forward thinking from our CEO John Miller and that there’s some really good people around the place with some good, modern ideas,” he said.

“In the past 12 to 18 months we’ve put the poly track in, done drainage work on the number two grass, there’s now new on-course stables being built and some renovations to the bar and jockeys room, so from top to bottom there’s some really capable and hard working people that are continuously improving things.”

Murray Weeding in 2016 ahead of the Caloundra Cup race day.

He said the design of the course was what made it so special.

“It’s been a great track layout from day one, it’s 30m wide, 1967m around, has nice big turns, great starting positions, the crown helps with wet weather racing and everyone can run their own race,” he said.

Sunshine Coast Turf Club racecourse and facilities manager Murray Weeding is approaching 22 years at the helm. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Weeding said despite the early starts and late finishes it was a rewarding process.

“I’ve got good supervisors that start trackwork at 3.50am each morning and then on race days we start early with walking the track, completing inspections, having all of the required information ready by 6am and work through until after everyone goes home,” he said.

“I’m very lucky to have the support from my wife Liz and all three of my kids grew up in the house on course and all worked either behind the bar, in the kiosk or by driving tractors.

“The loud clip clop sound of the horses coming by our windows all day, every day is something you get have to get used to.

“There’s been a few well known people come down that I’ve had the pleasure of showing around or taking around to the barriers so it is a big job but very rewarding too.”

Originally published as Murray Weeding reflects on career as Sunshine Coast turf club continues to shine