Wagering giant Ladbrokes have won the battle for the north, revealing they will enter long-term sponsorship agreements with Cairns, Townsville and Mackay jockey clubs.
In a move that will see Ladbrokes branding and on-track innovations introduced, the trio of clubs formed a bloc to break away from the traditional model, which has seen TAB the sole on-track sponsor.
Saying the clubs have been “somewhat neglected” of late, Ladbrokes are set to dramatically shake up the face of North Queensland racing.
After legislation was changed last year that ended TAB’s on-track exclusivity, Queensland race clubs have been able to jockey for position to secure a payday from rival corporate bookmakers.
While the Brisbane Racing Club joined forced with Ladbrokes last year, the trio of North Queensland clubs are the first to follow suit, after Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Ipswich and Toowoomba formed an alliance to sign a five-year deal with TAB.
It will see Ladbrokes be a major player in the upcoming northern cups carnival.
Dean Shannon says North Queensland clubs have been neglected of late. Picture: Supplied
In a shot across the bow, Ladbrokes Australia chief executive Dean Shannon said they planned to help the three clubs to put them back on the map.
“North Queensland has a rich racing heritage and a strong network of clubs and participants, but it has been somewhat neglected in recent times,” he said.
“The Ladbrokes team is keen to really work with these clubs to help energise the racing offering in North Queensland, not just through their key carnivals but on an ongoing basis.
“We are thrilled to get a deal done with Townsville, Mackay and Cairns and excited about some of the initiatives they have in the pipeline.”
Between them, the three clubs host more than 75 meetings a year.