Pigs set to fly at flood-hit Beaudesert race course for ANZAC Day
THE Beaudesert race course will be home to a unique style of racing this Anzac Day when pigs replace the traditional meeting at the Scenic Rim-based track in Queensland.
Thoroughbred racing is currently impossible at the track, which was inundated by flood damage as a result of Cyclone Debbie which ravaged through the Sunshine State at the end of last month.
However, general manager and secretary Lisa-Marie Hartney said everyone is trying to remain optimistic despite the testing times – leading to a revamp of the track’s biggest day of the year, Anzac Day.
“We have decided to go ahead with the day and run a phantom meeting,” Hartney told Horse Betting.
“We will still have all the regular activities that we normally have on Anzac Day – we have got a big kid’s area set up, bookmakers, bars, marquees, fashions on the field and live entertainment.
“Seeing as how we can’t race horses we thought racing pigs would be a good alternative – it’s a bit of fun.
“We will be auctioning the pigs off so you can buy them and if you win you get some money back.
“They will be competing in an obstacle course in a contained area – there will be five races so it is going to be a good day.”
As for the damage to the track and facilities, the total bill is expected to easily top the $1 million mark – however Hartney is confident things will be back to normal ahead of the track’s next allocated meeting on June 6.
“It’s all full steam ahead at the moment – the sand [training] track should be up and running by the end of the week and we are laying turf today [Monday] on the course proper where there were some problems from the flood,” she said.
“All up the damage to the track and buildings has cost about $1.2 million – water went through all the buildings – we were covered by insurance but it is a tedious process going through stage by stage to make sure it is all fixed up.
“There were three sections of the track which needed to be ripped up for drainage – but we are confident it will be ready for racing by early June.”
Hartney is encouraging all enthusiasts in the area to head to the track this Anzac Day when gates open at 11am.
“Come along to the day and support the club – buy a pig, buy a couple of drinks, have a bet or just come through the gate – it will all help out by getting some funds together to get the club up and running again.”