Concerns continue to be raised by trainers regarding safety issues at The Q, a newly constructed greyhound racing facility in southeast Queensland, following a report that highlighted various problems. Several race meetings have been called off in recent weeks, leading to frustration among trainers.
According to the ABC, some recommendations from a review of the Queensland Greyhound Racing Club have been deemed completed, including an evaluation of staffing levels. The Brisbane Cup, featuring a total prize pool of $1 million, is set to occur on the Q2 track on July 4.
Trainers express their dissatisfaction with the apparent lack of accountability regarding safety matters and race cancellations at the $90 million venue, which was touted as being “as safe for dogs and trainers as possible.” The Q, which consists of three tracks located in Purga near Ipswich, received approximately $45 million in funding from the state government.
Trials at The Q commenced in March of the previous year; however, significant events, such as the highly regarded Brisbane Cup, were canceled in July due to hazardous track conditions. This decision followed reports of at least seven canine fatalities attributed to injuries sustained during the trial phase.
Subsequent to these incidents, Racing Minister Tim Mander mandated an investigation into the facility, the results of which were made public late last year. The findings indicated issues such as poor drainage, inconsistent sand quality, and challenges with moisture control at the track, alongside several recommendations aimed at enhancing animal safety. These suggestions included hiring more experienced track curators for maintenance and improving drainage systems.
Despite the report’s findings, trainers assert that issues remain unresolved, with multiple race meetings recently canceled. Trainer Alan Dargusch, who has been in the industry for over twenty years, noted that participants have lost $150,000 in potential prize money due to two abandoned events at Q2 in just the last two weeks. He pointed out that one race was called off because the track was excessively watered, while another faced a delay due to a lack of qualified maintenance staff to address a lure malfunction.
Dargusch emphasized the need for the club to ensure the presence of qualified personnel at the facility to maintain a safe racing environment. He acknowledged that while some track-related issues are expected at a new venue, the frequency of problems at The Q has been disheartening. “We have no influence over the track’s standards. We show up hoping for optimal conditions for the health and safety of the greyhounds,” he stated.
He also questioned the accountability of those responsible for overseeing the facility, highlighting the critical importance of The Q’s success for the region’s racing landscape. With limited alternatives for racing in southeast Queensland, he noted that the $100 fee per dog for race cancellations is insufficient to cover transportation costs amid rising fuel prices.
These ongoing challenges arise just as the Winter Greyhound Carnival approaches next month, which will feature over $3 million in prize money across seven events.
The Q operates under the management of the Queensland Greyhound Racing Club, in collaboration with Racing Queensland, the statutory body governing the racing industry. Grace Grace, Labor’s racing spokesperson and former racing minister during the venue’s proposal phase, described the continuous issues at The Q as “unacceptable.” She pointed out that despite the review and recommendations, problems persist, causing race meetings to be canceled due to issues that could have been addressed.
Grace further remarked that The Q is considered one of the best facilities globally, yet ongoing problems arise from a lack of governmental oversight. A spokesperson for Racing Minister Tim Mander stated that the facility was established under the former Labor Government, while the current administration is working to ensure compliance with animal welfare standards.
A representative from Racing Queensland mentioned that several recommendations from the report have been implemented, leading to a significant reduction in serious injuries at The Q, with 99.8% of greyhounds racing without sustaining serious harm since its opening.
Amy McMahon, president of the Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds and former Greens MP for South Brisbane, claimed that at least 31 dogs have died from injuries incurred at The Q since racing started, including six this year. She noted that there is widespread support among Queenslanders, including those in rural areas, for the gradual phasing out of greyhound racing.
