Eagle Farm, Doomben get trials

Racing Queensland has reinstated official trials at Eagle Farm and Doomben in an effort to boost betting turnover and national media coverage.

The two major metropolitan tracks have not hosted official trials in more than three years.

Instead there have been jump-outs where horse names were not declared and trackwork riders could ride horses at both courses while Deagon, the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and Toowoomba had official trials.

It led to complaints that trial form was not being exposed from the state’s biggest racing centre.

RQ’s chief executive Eliot Forbes said the official trials would deliver another avenue to promote and showcase Queensland racing across national media.

“The reformed schedule has secured a broadcast commitment from Sky Racing for the south east Queensland trials as well as ‘live’ display on Thoroughbred Central and full access to website replays,” Forbes said.

“Deagon trial replays will continue to be seen on RQ’s website.”

He said the Sky commitment and website coverage would offer improved mechanisms for the servicing of owners as well as greater visibility of trial form for the punting public.

“Importantly, with a start from the first week of May, it will provide timely and valuable exposure to trial footage for both local and interstate horses targeting winter carnival assignments,” he said.