Horses moved as Sunshine Coast fire looms

A major bush fire on the Sunshine Coast has threatened some stables near Corbould Park racetrack forcing the moving of some horses.

Sunshine Coast Turf Club CEO Mick Sullivan said the wind had picked up in the area after easing off overnight.

The Bruce Highway was closed on Friday but was opened so horses from the Sunshine Coast could head to Doomben Racecourse in Brisbane.

“There is a fire in the bush near the back of the racecourse. It is near some stables across the road from Corbould Park,” Sullivan said.

“We have moved horses from those stables across the road into the day stalls at Corbould Park as a precaution.”

“We are keeping a close eye on the situation as you never know with fires and wind.”

Some other horses have been moved to different locations including nearby showgrounds.

Sullivan said at this stage there was no danger to Sunday’s planned Sunshine Coast meeting which ironically is a tribute day to him after 20 years of service.

He is retiring next week and his place will be taken by John Miller formerly from Albury.