Winter Racing Carnival Launched at Cluden Park

Following the completion of a $14 million redesign and development of its facilities, Cluden Park is launching their much anticipated Winter Racing Carnival under their new name, which replaces the Townsville Turf Club. 

The upcoming opening of 100 new raceday stalls, funded out of the Racing Infrastructure Fund at $1.5 million, will bring three years of refurbishment and construction to a close. 

Previous works include a $12 million project to redesign the venue’s heritage-listed buildings, a $365,000 upgrade to female jockey facilities, and recent landscaping to refresh the grounds. 

It marks a new beginning for Cluden Park, who are gearing up for a busy winter racing and events season. 

Cluden Park chairman Malcolm Petrofski explained the vision for Cluden Park, the name now headlining the organization.

“The first-class facilities we now have at Cluden Park have created a fantastic venue for the city, not just for racing but for dining, major events, corporate functions and special occasions,” Mr Petrofski said.

“Cluden Park is a unique and special name to racing not just in Townsville but as the headquarters for racing in the North,” he said.

“Racing at Cluden Park has played a very important part in Townsville’s history and way of life from almost the time the city was founded and this year everything is ready for one of the biggest seasons for many years.”

The Winter Racing Carnival will be making a comeback after the pandemic prevented feature race days and events in 2020 and the 2019 Townsville flood devastated infrastructure.

“It’s been a very tough two years not just for the club and the racing industry in Townsville but for everyone in our community,” Mr Petrofski said.

“But we’re ready to bounce right back and we’re inviting people in Townsville and further afield to come out to Cluden Park during the carnival to have a great time.

“We will have the best horses in Queensland competing for big prizemoney on the track and great attractions and events for racegoers to enjoy, including our famous Fashion Stakes competition.

“We have a totally new look and feel at Cluden Park, including a new website (www.cludenpark.com.au), and everything is in readiness for a great carnival.

Following the official start of the carnival with the 2yo Classic and Family Fun Day on 12 June, Townsville racing will take centre stage in the state with a huge week of racing and social events in the week from 31 July – 7 August culminating in the TAB Townsville Cup Day.

Tickets are on sale from today for the first feature day of the carnival - the 2yo Classic Family Fun Day on 12 June. 

Get your tickets here.

Racegoers can make bookings from May 20 for the two major days, Ladies Day (31 July) and the TAB Townsville Cup (7 August).

The new race day stalls will officially open in the near future, in time for the 2yo Classic feature race day, and will give a whole new behind-the-scenes experience for patrons.

 

Townsville Winter Racing Carnival key dates:

Saturday 12 June: $100,000 2yo Classic and Family Fun Day

Saturday 31 July: Ladies Day (tickets on sale May 20)

Thursday 5 August: Breakfast with Stars (Cluden Park) and Calcutta for TAB Townsville Cup (Cluden Park)

Friday 6 August: Talbot Heatley Lightning Hcp Day

Saturday 7 August: $150,000 TAB Townsville Cup/$100,000 Cleveland Bay Hcp (tickets on sale May 20)