New experience awaits racegoers

First stage of Clifford Park facility revamp on show today.

RACING: Clifford Park racegoers will be on an early winner today when the get to experience the first stage of completed work on Toowoomba Turf Club's public facilities.

The club last month began extensive renovations of its betting auditorium and public bar and dining area under the grandstand.

The $180,000 project is being funded by major club sponsor, TAB.

Club CEO Lizzy King said the welcome rain had caused a slight delay to the betting ring work, but "stage one" of the revamp would be on display today.

Toowoomba Turf Club chief executive officer Lizzy King underneath new television screens in the Clifford Park main bar area. Picture: Kevin Farmer

"We've got lots going on with our TAB betting ring project which is well and truly under way," King said.

"We are a couple of weeks away from being able to debut this new space which is just going to look incredible.

"We've got part of our work done in the main bar area.

"Punters who come and visit us tomorrow (Saturday) at Clifford Park will actually get a bit of a sneak peak to what they are in for in the new space in our old betting ring which is going to have a new lease on life.

"It's going to be a new experience for patrons to immerse themselves in.

"The size of the screens here is just fantastic.

"Anywhere and everywhere in the world there is racing, we are a part of it, and they are a part of it as well.

"We're absolutely stoked with the way things are running and our patrons have been so patient and thoughtful and understanding of this huge project we are undertaking.

"With the support of our sponsor TAB who have invested circa $200,000 into this project, we couldn't be more pleased."

Toowoomba Turf Club renovates the betting auditorium for Clifford Park patrons, Friday, February 7, 2020. Picture: Kevin Farmer

The completed work will include a covered walkway between the betting ring and public bar and dining room areas.

Upgrades will offer updated technology for punters including self-serve totalisators, touch information screens and enhanced viewing monitors.

Manned tote windows and bookmaker facilities will remain to ensure punters have access to both current and advanced technology.

# BOOKMAKER Pat Kynoch is continuing to operate during the renovations with his stand temporarily set up in the main bar area.