A new dawn for Queensland greyhound racing is a step closer with the new three-track facility at Purga, set for opening in August 2024, to be named The Q.
The announcement was made at the launch of the Queensland Winter Greyhound Racing Carnival at Suncorp Stadium on Friday morning with Racing Minister Grace Grace declaring The Q as “Queensland’s latest iconic sporting venue”.
“This new world-class venue has been designed with state-of-the-art features that enhance animal welfare and racing safety,” Minister Grace said.
“From next year – The Q – with its unique name, will become synonymous with greyhound racing in the Sunshine State.”
In a world-first, The Q, located in Purga on the outskirts of Ipswich, will see three tracks situated on the one complex, named Q1 Lakeside, Q2 Parklands and Q Straight.
Civil works recently commenced on the project which is earmarked for opening in August 2024.
Racing Queensland Chair Steve Wilson AM said that The Q represents a new and exciting era for the Queensland greyhound industry which in recent times has gone from strength to strength.
“We’re excited to have unveiled The Q as the future home of Queensland greyhound racing,” Wilson said.
“We undertook an extensive process to develop the branding territories, and throughout this process, we have endeavoured to pay homage to the past through the Parklands moniker for the broader precinct and the two-turn track, while looking to the future courtesy of The Q.
“We want the precinct to be more than just another racing venue. We want it to be a place where the community feels at home and is proud to visit. A beautiful park for all dog lovers to enjoy.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime project we are delivering, and it will be enjoyed by generations to come.”
The Q will feature three tracks – a straight track, a one-turn track and a two-turn track – along with vibrant patron and participant amenities with animal care at the core of design and construction.
The Q will replace the current greyhound tracks at Albion Park and Ipswich and via racing and trialling will operate seven days a week.
Friday’s announcement comes at a time when greyhound racing in Queensland has never been more popular, enjoying significant wagering growth and heightening participation.
With prize money soaring to record heights, the lucrative Winter carnival currently underway has seen the best greyhounds from around the country converge on the sunshine state.
At Albion Park on Thursday night, seven heats of the $225,000 Flying Amy Classic (520m) were run and won with next week’s finale bringing together a stellar field of age restricted stars.
Later this month, the Group 1 Brisbane Cup (520m) gets underway, which for the first time will boast a record $1m in prize money.
Friday’s Winter Carnival launch also served as a pipe-opener to the State of Origin greyhound series set down for decision at Albion Park on Thursday, June 15.
Across the three race series, an eye-watering $360,000 in prize money will be up for grabs, but more importantly, so will state bragging rights.