Eagle Farm track ready for major test

Up to a dozen horses will gallop on the new Eagle Farm course proper surface in the track’s first major comeback test.

Brisbane’s premier racecourse has been out of action for most of the past four years because of problems with its racing surface.

Horses are expected to work on the course proper on Tuesday to gauge the level the newly laid surface has reached.

Racing Queensland chief executive Brendan Parnell said the track gallops would play an important part in assessing the suitability of the surface for racing.

“We are hoping to get up to 12 open class horses and experienced jockeys. Provided the track stands up there will be barrier trials on the course proper on Tuesday week,” Parnell said.

“Then all things being OK we will have a race meeting on December 22.”

The December 22 meeting is listed for Doomben but there is no black-type race programmed so it can easily be switched to Eagle Farm.

Training has continued at Eagle Farm while the course proper has been out of action.

Track specialist Mick Goodie, who formerly oversaw Flemington, was called in earlier this year to help with the renovation.