The Q set for historic debut meeting

History will be made at The Q this Friday as the lids fly for the first time at Queensland’s new home of greyhound racing. 

The new world-class facility will host a 12-race program on April 4, with the first race set to jump at 1.49pm (AEST). 

The maiden meeting will take place on the one-turn track – known as Ladbrokes Q1 Lakeside – on the back of more than 1,000 trials and two picnic meetings in recent weeks to ensure dogs are accustomed to the new track. 

Trialling on the Ladbrokes Q Straight and Q2 Parklands tracks will commence in the coming weeks, whilst the facility will be open to the public in May.

Minister for Racing Tim Mander said Friday’s first meeting would be a momentous occasion for Queensland greyhound racing. 

“Queensland greyhound racing participants can now proudly say they have a permanent home for their sport,” Minister Mander said. 

“The Crisafulli Government is committed to strengthening the long-term viability and integrity of all racing codes, while delivering modern and fit-for-purpose racing infrastructure.

“Constructed with animal welfare at its core, The Q will be the envy of greyhound racing jurisdictions across Australia and the world.”

Civil earthworks commenced at the Purga site in early 2023, with construction getting underway later in the same year. 

Situated just south of Ipswich, the world-class precinct features three tracks - a straight track, a one-turn track and a two-turn track – with animal welfare at the core of its design and construction.

RQ Acting CEO Lachlan Murray said Friday’s debut meeting at the complex is a major milestone for the once in a generation project. 

“The Q is groundbreaking in every sense of the word, and is nothing like we’ve seen in the sport before both in here and abroad,” Mr Murray said. 

“Friday’s inaugural meeting is another milestone for the state-of-the-art precinct, as we build towards the Queensland Winter Greyhound Racing Carnival next month.

“Not only will The Q deliver the nation’s premier racing facility, it will also be an invaluable multi-use asset that the whole community can enjoy.”

Earlier this year, it was announced that Ladbrokes would become the official wagering partner of the precinct, including signage on all three tracks and naming rights status for the club's feature events.

The upcoming Queensland Winter Greyhound Racing Carnival will soon take centre stage at The Q, featuring seven feature race meetings and close to $3 million in prize money on the line. 

The Q’s official opening event will be held on June 7, coinciding with the $225,000 Group 1 Flying Amy Classic, while the carnival will come to a close as the $1 million Group 1 Brisbane Cup takes centre stage on July 5. 

The full Winter Carnival programme is expected to be released next week.