Although the facilities and infrastructure are being quickly reinstated, the main component of the remediation process is the course proper. Whilst the initial prognosis for the turf was concerning, Racing Queensland facilities maintenance and development manager Mr Warren Williams has implemented a stringent program that he expects will see the turf rejuvenated by mid March 2011.
 
At present the silt layer that remained once the floodwater subsided is being broken up to enable the turf to survive until early next week. Next Monday two Koro Field Topmaker machines from New South Wales will arrive at Callaghan Park and we will set about a week long process of removing the silt, thatch layer and grass leaf, leaving only the original growing medium and turf rhizome and stolons.
 
Warren Williams said the Callaghan Park course proper has been a revelation since the new facility opened in January 2010.
 
“It is imperative that the track is reinstated to its original condition and Racing Queensland will not take any shortcuts to just get racing back up and running on an inferior surface. This course of action is not an option,” said Mr Williams. 
 
“This facility is the flagship for racing in Central Queensland and I anticipate the surface will be completely remediated within six weeks, subsequent to which trials will be conducted to ensure the surface is ready for the rigours of racing.
 
“The winter green grass utilised at the complex is extremely resilient and it’s remarkable that after such a considerable period underwater that it has commenced growing again now that the water has subsided. In some parts of the track a five inch layer of silt has been deposited on top of the racing surface and it’s vital that this material is removed to enable the surface to maintain its exceptional drainage principles,” said Mr Williams.
 
Listed below is the revised racing schedule for Central Queensland for the period up until the resumption of racing in Rockhampton. A number of meetings and races have been added to the program to reduce the impact on stakeholders.

January 2011
22^nd     Thangool – 2 races added to program
27^th     Rockhampton – Abandoned
29^th     Yeppoon – New Non-TAB meeting with 6 races
 
February 2011
1^st        Mackay – Existing Meeting
3^rd       Rockhampton – Abandoned
5^th        Moranbah – Existing Meeting
10^th     Rockhampton – Abandoned
10^th     Mackay – New Meeting with 7 races
12^th     Emerald – Existing Meeting
19^th     Gladstone – Existing Meeting
22^nd     Mackay – Existing Meeting
24^th     Rockhampton – Abandoned
26^th     Bluff-Blackwater – Existing Meeting
 
March 2011
3^rd       Rockhampton – Abandoned
5^th        Thangool – Existing Meeting with 2yo Hcp added to program
5^th        Mackay – Existing Meeting with 2yo Maiden added to program
10^th     Rockhampton – Abandoned
12^th     Rockhampton – Abandoned
12^th     Yeppoon – New meeting with 5 races
15^th     Mackay – Existing Meeting
19^th     Rockhampton – New meeting for Resumption of Racing
 
After the meeting in Rockhampton on Saturday, March 19, 2011, racing will resume as per the original schedule with a meeting programmed for Thursday, March 24, 2011. The disruption to the original schedule has necessitated a number of alterations to the feature two-year-old schedule throughout Central Queensland. 
 
Listed below is the two-year-old schedule for the period February 1, 2011 to April 16, 2011, with the $100,000 Magic Millions Plate to be conducted at Callaghan Park on April 7.
 
January 2011
29^th      Yeppoon – 2yo Hcp 1000m $6,000 + $4,000 QTIS + $4,000 QTIS 600
 
February 2011
10^th      Mackay – 2yo Hcp 1050m $10,000 + $10,000 QTIS + $10,000 QTIS 600
12^th      Emerald – 2yo Mdn 1000m $6,000 + $4,000 QTIS + $4,000 QTIS 600
22^nd     Mackay – 2yo Hcp 1050m $10,000 + $10,000 QTIS + $10,000 QTIS 600

March 2011
5^th        Thangool – 2yo Hcp 1075m $6,000 + $4,000 QTIS + $4,000 QTIS 600
5^th        Mackay – 2yo Mdn 1050m $7,500 + $10,000 QTIS + $10,000 QTIS 600
12^th      Yeppoon – 2yo Hcp 900m $6,000 + $4,000 QTIS + $4,000 QTIS 600
15^th      Mackay – 2yo Hcp 1050m $10,000 + $10,000 QTIS + $10,000 QTIS 600
19^th      Rockhampton – 2yo Mdn 1100m $10,000 + $10,000 QTIS + $10,000 QTIS 600
24^th      Rockhampton – 2yo Hcp 1100m $10,000 + $10,000 QTIS + $10,000 QTIS 600
 
April 2011
2^nd       Rockhampton – 2yo Mdn 1050m $7,500 + $10,000 Brisbane Bloodstock Bonus
5^th        Mackay – 2yo Hcp 1050m $10,000 + $10,000 QTIS + $10,000 QTIS 600
7^th        Rockhampton – $100,000 Magic Millions 2yo Plate 1200m
16^th      Mackay – $50,000 QTIS 600 Plate 1250m
 
The Rockhampton Jockey Club and Racing Queensland are currently working with Magic Millions and the Central Queensland Breeders to confirm a suitable date for the Capricornia Sales raceday.
 
Apart from the course proper, staff from Racing Queensland and the Rockhampton Jockey Club are working tirelessly to repair the remainder of the facility, with particular emphasis being placed on the on-course stabling and sand training track. At present, a target date of Monday, February 14, 2011, has been set for the resumption of thoroughbred training and return of horses to the on-course stabling. This date is contingent upon the prevailing weather conditions and the availability of sawdust for the stabling precinct. 
 
Later in the day the revised race programs will be available on the RQL website.
 
Ends.
 
For further information contact the RQL racing department on (07) 3869 9777.