Racing Queensland has funded a new all-weather Gallop Track surface at Toowoomba Turf Club, with construction set to begin after the Weetwood Carnival.
Construction will soon commence on a new state-of-the-art, all-weather track at the Toowoomba Turf Club.
The project, funded through Racing Queensland’s infrastructure program, will replace the club’s existing synthetic training surface with Gallop Track’s latest all-weather system, providing trainers and horses with a modern, safe, and reliable training facility for many years to come.
The new surface has been specifically designed to provide consistent footing, improved drainage, and year-round usability, ensuring trainers have access to quality facilities regardless of seasonal weather conditions.
Construction is scheduled to commence following the 2026 1Equine Weetwood Carnival this weekend.
Member for Toowoomba North, Trevor Watts, said the project demonstrated the ongoing commitment to improving racing infrastructure across Queensland.
“This marks another significant investment in Queensland racing infrastructure,” Mr Watts said.
“The Darling Downs region more broadly is widely regarded as one of the state’s premier equine hubs, and this upgrade only further solidifies its status as a world-class training and racing facility.
“Clifford Park’s importance to the industry in Queensland was further highlighted in the Queensland Government’s The Next Lap, with the confirmation of new lighting infrastructure for the club and the reinstallation of a harness racing track in the infield.”
The upgrade forms part of the Toowoomba Turf Club’s ongoing infrastructure program aimed at providing high-quality racing and training facilities for the local racing community.
Toowoomba Turf Club chief executive Grant Sheather said the project represented one of the most significant infrastructure upgrades undertaken by the club in recent years.
“This project is about investing in the future of racing on the Darling Downs,” he said.
“Clifford Park supports more than 600 horses in work each month, and the existing synthetic surface has reached the end of its serviceable life.
“Replacing it with a modern Gallop Track surface will provide trainers with a safer, more consistent training environment while ensuring the club continues to deliver first-class facilities for participants.
“We’ve undertaken an extensive procurement and evaluation process to ensure we selected the surface that best suits Clifford Park’s operating environment. We’re pleased to be partnering with Gallop Track to deliver this important project.”
Not only does this all-weather track and the upcoming lighting upgrades provide a much-needed boost to the training areas at Clifford Park, but they also allow the facility to continue doing what it does best.
Mr Watts said the track plays a vital role in the region’s economy.
“In our region last year, $186m was spent and turned over by the industry. There are 6000 participants in the industry directly, and over 1000 people employed,” Mr Watts said.
“So it’s a big employer.
“It’s an underpinning, and it’s a lot of fun, and it’s part of our heritage. So it’s a great opportunity to come out, see your friends, and make your contribution to Clifford Park.“
By Erin Blond – The Chronicle | September 25th, 2026
