Work to start on Eagle Farm

Racing Queensland remains confident Eagle Farm racecourse will be ready for next year’s winter carnival despite continuing worries about delays in starting reconstruction work.

Eagle Farm was shut in late May when it became apparent the surface was unsuitable for Group One racing.

RQ commissioned a survey headed by Victoria Racing Club chief executive Dale Monteith who found major reconstruction work was necessary.

The course proper has not been used for trackwork, trials or racing since May.

RQ issued a media release in which it reiterated the date for a resumption remained April, 2018.

The governing body also announced the primary contractor tender had been awarded to FKG Group, one of the largest privately owned civil contractors in Queensland.

Work is expected to start this week although heavy rain is predicted.

The contractor will remove sections of the existing top layer of the Eagle Farm track before blending the sand and loam and laying the new turf.

Agronomy and profile experts Sports Turf Consulting and Labosport are providing independent advice and co-ordinating the peer review process in conjunction with Brisbane Racing Club and Racing Queensland staff.