Latest news with #QueenslandRacingIntegrityCommission
ABC News
11-07-2025
- Sport
- ABC News
Racing at new $85 million Queensland greyhound facility suspended again due to 'unsuitable' track
A high-profile Queensland greyhound racing event has been cancelled, after a track at the new $85 million greyhound racing facility The Q was deemed "unsuitable for trialling or racing" for the second time in a week. The Brisbane Cup was postponed for a week last Saturday after a "watering issue" at The Q in Ipswich caused the track to become unsafe for racing. Racing Queensland paused racing at the facility on Monday to allow an independent assessment of the track and remediation works to be completed. It comes as The Q grapples with a string of dog deaths since trials began at the track in March. In a statement on Thursday, Racing Queensland announced that following assessments, the rescheduled event had been cancelled and racing on the Q2 track suspended indefinitely. "With Queensland Racing Integrity Commission stewards inspecting the Q2 Parklands track last night and deeming it unsuitable for trialling or racing, all upcoming meetings and trials have been cancelled until further notice so further remediation works can take place," the statement read. RQ said rescheduling meetings at Albion Park was considered but "operational capacity" made it unfeasible. "As a matter of priority, RQ and the QGRC are focused on delivering a consistent and suitable racing surface before meetings are rescheduled on the Q2 Parkland," RQ said. Racing will continue on the facility's other two tracks. The former Queensland government put $44.15 million from the racing infrastructure fund towards the $85 million facility, which has been running trials since March and officially opened in June. Last month, the ABC revealed at least seven dogs had died due to injuries sustained at the racing track before its official opening. Acting Minister for Racing, Steven Minnikin said he was "disappointed for participants and supporters" that the Brisbane Cup had been cancelled. He said the facility was commissioned and built by the former Labor government, but that the new government would "make sure all steps are taken" to uphold animal welfare standards. "Independent investigations into the track and operations at The Q are now underway," he said. Labor's Member for Ipswich, Jennifer Howard, said in a statement the safety incidents at the track were "not acceptable". "The Minister for Racing, Tim Mander, along with Racing Queensland must act now," she said. "The… Q… was launched with the bold claim it would be the safest track in the country saying it 'uses the best practice standards for greyhound racing safety'. "This claim is nauseatingly repeated in advertising all over Ipswich and online." Ms Howard said any official material making those claims, which were first spruiked by the former Labor government when the track was announced, needed to be removed. She said she wanted to see "real steps" taken to "ensure the welfare of every animal involved in the industry". "The public deserves transparency. The dogs deserve better," she said.
The Age
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Age
Racing Queensland responds to criticism of ‘deadliest' greyhound track
Racing Queensland has insisted it takes animal welfare seriously following damning criticism of its new $85 million facility near Ipswich, which has been dubbed Australia's 'deadliest' greyhound track. The Q, to which the former Labor state government committed more than $44 million in taxpayers' money to build, officially opened last month, but races were suspended on the weekend over concerns about track safety. Greyhound advocates have roundly criticised the three-track Purga facility, with claims at least 11 dogs have died of injuries sustained on the tracks since March, before its official opening – a figure Racing Queensland has not disputed. Responding to criticism over the weekend, a Racing Queensland spokesman said the organisation was committed to the dogs' safety. 'Racing Queensland places the welfare of its animals at the heart of its decision-making, with close to $1 million in funding delivered in FY24 to support its greyhound welfare schemes,' he said. 'In collaboration with the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission, we continue to explore – and adopt – new strategies to reduce the incidence of injury in greyhounds at race meetings in Queensland. 'This includes analysis of injury data and research into risk factors for injury, and strategies to optimise track curation processes. 'The management of on-course injuries, and the adoption of the Race Meeting Injury Scheme, supports industry participants to treat and rehabilitate greyhounds that have sustained serious injuries at race meetings.' Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds president Amy MacMahon said that along with the 11 dead greyhounds, their analysis showed more than 160 injuries at The Q.
Sydney Morning Herald
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- Sydney Morning Herald
Racing Queensland responds to criticism of ‘deadliest' greyhound track
Racing Queensland has insisted it takes animal welfare seriously following damning criticism of its new $85 million facility near Ipswich, which has been dubbed Australia's 'deadliest' greyhound track. The Q, to which the former Labor state government committed more than $44 million in taxpayers' money to build, officially opened last month, but races were suspended on the weekend over concerns about track safety. Greyhound advocates have roundly criticised the three-track Purga facility, with claims at least 11 dogs have died of injuries sustained on the tracks since March, before its official opening – a figure Racing Queensland has not disputed. Responding to criticism over the weekend, a Racing Queensland spokesman said the organisation was committed to the dogs' safety. 'Racing Queensland places the welfare of its animals at the heart of its decision-making, with close to $1 million in funding delivered in FY24 to support its greyhound welfare schemes,' he said. 'In collaboration with the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission, we continue to explore – and adopt – new strategies to reduce the incidence of injury in greyhounds at race meetings in Queensland. 'This includes analysis of injury data and research into risk factors for injury, and strategies to optimise track curation processes. 'The management of on-course injuries, and the adoption of the Race Meeting Injury Scheme, supports industry participants to treat and rehabilitate greyhounds that have sustained serious injuries at race meetings.' Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds president Amy MacMahon said that along with the 11 dead greyhounds, their analysis showed more than 160 injuries at The Q.
Irish Daily Mirror
12-06-2025
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Jockey banned for fighting rival after five-word taunt sparked post-race scrap
Jockey Noel Callow has been handed a three-month suspension following a brawl he initiated with a fellow rider. The legendary Australian rider, nicknamed 'The King', has won more than 2,000 races, including five at Group 1 level, earning over £20million in his homeland. The 50-year-old pleaded guilty to improper conduct after getting into a scrap in the male jockeys' room at Doomben, Queensland last month. Callow was taken to the hospital after showing signs of concussion, which caused stewards to adjourn their inquiry on the day of the incident. When the investigation resumed, it emerged that the altercation started when Callow stood too close to Kyle Wilson-Taylor during weigh-in. Wilson-Taylor had to shove him aside to leave the scales, warning Callow: "I'm not scared of you", per the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission stewards' report. Callow then followed Wilson-Taylor into the changing room and "made aggressive contact" from behind, sparking "a physical altercation." The scuffle saw both men hit the deck, with Wilson-Taylor landing two blows to Callow's head while on top of him before they were separated. Despite the tussle, only Callow faced charges for behaviour detrimental to the interests of racing. Callow's solicitor informed the panel that the confrontation was brief, lasting just 15 or 20 seconds, and happened away from public view. His counsel argued it was a "momentary loss of temper", "out of character over recent times" and "unlikely to be repeated." Callow had issued an apology and was pursuing anger management guidance. The disciplinary panel deduced that Callow was the primary provocateur in the altercation and, whilst there was existing tension between the two, it didn't justify his behaviour. The findings highlighted: "Offences of this nature are unacceptable and cannot be condoned by the industry or industry regulators, in this case QRIC stewards." Callow received a three-month ban, which will be reduced to two provided he visits a sports psychologist and completes an anger management programme during his suspension.
Scottish Sun
28-05-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Explosive fight breaks out between two jockeys with one rushed to hospital for treatment after post-race bust-up
One of the jockeys has been stood down for medical reasons STIRRUP TROUBLE Explosive fight breaks out between two jockeys with one rushed to hospital for treatment after post-race bust-up AN explosive post-race bust-up between jockeys saw one rushed to hospital for treatment. Stewards have opened an urgent investigation into the 'physical altercation' between two top-tier riders. 2 Legendary jockey Noel Callow has been stood down from riding in light of the 'physical altercation' Credit: Alamy 2 Kyle Wilson-Taylor, seen here with Frankie Dettori, is the second jockey at the centre of the investigation Group 1-winning superstar Noel Callow, who has won more than £22million in his career, was involved. As was fellow top level-winning rider Kyle Wilson-Taylor, report Racenet. Their scrap was said to have erupted during a heated argument after a race at Doomben in Australia on Wednesday. Kim Kelly, Deputy Commissioner for the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission, said: "I can confirm that a stewards' enquiry has been opened into a physical altercation between two riders at the Doomben race meeting. "A considerable body of evidence has been taken and the matter was adjourned to a date to be fixed to allow a rider who was taken from the course for medical treatment to give evidence." Racenet report that Wilson-Taylor, 25, insisted he did not start the fight. 'King' Callow, 49, who became an Uber driver during one break from the sport, has been stood down for medical reasons. It is believed that Wilson-Taylor is fit and well enough to continue riding pending the outcome of the probe. It is not clear what did or didn't happen in the race to spark the scrap. And any punishments will have to wait until the investigation is concluded. Callow is one of the biggest names in Australian racing - but his career has been a series of ups and downs. Amid a series of bans he banged in five Group 1 wins and enjoyed a lucrative and prolific stint in Singapore. Wilson-Taylor is at the opposite end of the racing spectrum in that he is continuing to make a name for himself on the big stage. But his big breakthrough came in the 2023 Tatt's Tiara aboard Palaisipan, a victory worth just shy of £250,000. Fights breaking out between jockeys, while they don't happen often, are nothing new. This Breeders' Cup bust-up went down in history - while shocking footage caught this horrific sucker punch on camera. FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
