Bunya Park unveils latest upgrades

New viewing deck part of Dalby race club’s latest renovations.

Dalby & Nothern Downs Jockey Club's renovated member's room which includes a new viewing deck, covered ground-level area and upgraded placegetters stalls. Picture: Glen McCullough

RACING : Patrons and industry members are the big winners from the latest facility upgrades at Dalby’s Bunya Park racecourse.

A new lounge deck, a shaded area for racing participants and officials and upgraded placegetter stalls are all part of Dalby & Northern Downs Jockey Club’s latest amenities renovations.

The new-look members’ facility, which also houses men’s and women’s jockey rooms, steward’s room and administration office were on show at last Saturday’s annual Dalby Newmarket Day.

The building add-ons — which include a covered area for jockeys and trainers — are the latest public facility revamp after the opening of the public viewing deck in 2018.

The deck replaced the former historic grandstand which was destroyed by fire in January, 2017.

Dalby club president Bart Turner said the new course additions were the latest step in trying to provide patrons with a more comfortable race-day experience.

The club has paid tribute to late Darling Downs race caller Barry Jones by naming the new viewing area the Barry Jones Members Bar and Deck.

“We’ve spent about $40,000 on the upgrades which has all come out of the club’s pocket,” Turner said.

“We believe it’s money well spent and it’s all aimed at trying to get people back at the track for an enjoyable day at the races.

“If you have facilities in place to provide a more comfortable day at the track, they will hopefully come back.

“We are also offering free admission to some of our meetings during the year in the hope that will also attract people back to our race days.

“One of our committee girls came up with the idea of naming the deck in memory of Barry and it’s great to be able to honour him this way.”

# TICKETS remain available for Saturday’s “Darby McCarthy Race Day” at Clifford Park.

Tickets at $75 for the function to honour the former riding great can be purchased on toowoombatickets.com