Queensland Community Racing Scheme

As a result of a Queensland Government initiative, Racing Queensland (RQ) funds race meetings under the Queensland Community Racing Scheme (QCRS).

The scheme allows race clubs to access up to $5000 per raceday for the conduct of race meetings and provides that up to $2000 per race be distributed as prizemoney.

QCRS Information Sheet

QCRS Club Application

QCRS Approved Rider Policy

QCRS Trainer Policy

QCRS Approved Rider Application

QCRS Trainer Application

QUEENSLAND COMMUNITY RACING SCHEME

BACKGROUND

1.0 Introduction

In July 2001, the Queensland Government established the Queensland Events Regional Development Program (QERDP) as part of its election commitment to ensure that regional Queensland was not quarantined from the economic and social benefits that events can generate. This program, administered by Racing Queensland (RQ), aims to utilise targeted investment in significant regional events as a means of:

• Increasing local economic activity and development
• Enhancing the appeal of destinations in which events are held; and
• Enhancing the visitor experience

Under the program, numerous events throughout the state have received support. These special celebrations showcase regional Queensland through events as diverse as the Australian Gospel Music Festival in Toowoomba, the International Mining Challenge in Mt Isa, the Isisford Fishing Competition and Festival, and the Drover's Camp Festival at Camooweal.

The Queensland Community Racing Scheme (QCRS) builds on that success and extends the QERDP to specifically include non-professional, thoroughbred race meetings held throughout the state. These race meetings have long been significant events on the local community calendar and act as a catalyst for a range of other community, social and cultural activities.

The QCRS recognises the important role that community racing events have played in the development of the social and economic fabric of regional Queensland. An important element of the QERDP is that events are supported under the program in partnership with the local community. The program aims to assist local and regional communities to grow and develop their events. Therefore, those events that are successful in receiving support under the program are those that best demonstrate the potential for ongoing growth through strong, tangible community support.

The concept of partnering with the local community also flows through to the QCRS. The assessment of applications will be made by RQ. In considering these ecommendations, RQ will attach particular priority to those applications which best demonstrate the potential to deliver significant community benefits.

2.0 Eligibility Criteria

2.1 The scheme is open to any non-TAB club (registered with RQ). The Scheme will give priority to non-TAB clubs allocated two or less race dates in the current season, with particular emphasis on those clubs not allocated race dates.

2.2 Eligible clubs will be able to apply for a grant from the Scheme of up to $5,000 for the conduct of the race day and other associated activities. To qualify, clubs must provide a minimum of $2,500 cash for each race day covered by the application. This may be provided through club funds or provided through other sources such as sponsorship.

2.3 Any club applying for funding under the Scheme cannot also apply for funding under the Queensland Events Regional Development Program for grant funding for the same race event or associated events

2.4 Prize money for race days funded under the Scheme must not exceed $2,000 per race to a maximum of five races.

2.5 The programming of races for these meetings will be restricted to Maiden, Letter Class and Trophy races.

2.6 A minimum weight scale of 65kgs will apply to these race days.

2.7 Approved amateur riders may participate at these race days.

2.8 Race days funded under the QCRS will be conducted under the Australian Rules of Racing.

2.9 To ensure safety, the racecourse where a QCRS funded race day may be conducted must be maintained to a suitable standard and approved by RQ.

2.10 RQ may, at its sole discretion, vary the eligibility criteria in relation to the specific race conditions for meetings conducted under this Scheme.

3.0 Application Process

3.1 The application form is to be fully completed and signed by the Club Secretary. The completed application, and any supporting documentation, should be forwarded to the Queensland Community RacingScheme c/- Racing Queensland, PO Box 63, Sandgate Qld 4017.

3.2 Applications must include evidence confirming the $2,500 cash sponsorship arrangements. The completed application must be received no later than three (3) months prior to the proposed race day.

3.3 Evidence of sponsorship must be provided with the application. For example:

• letter from sponsor;
• letter from local council; and/or
• letter from other external funding source

3.4 A separate application form must be completed for each race day sought. (Forms may be photocopied)

3.5 Endorsed applications and accompanying documentation will then be forwarded for consideration by RQ.

3.6 Once approved RQ will advise race clubs in writing to:

• confirm their race date/s and approved funding amount/s;
• (b) advise any terms and conditions regarding the allocation of the race date and funding under the Scheme.

3.7 Those clubs allocated a race date and funding under the Scheme must forward payment covering the total prize-money for the race day to Racing Queensland at least one month prior to the race meeting date.

3.8 The Club Secretary will be required to fully acquit the grant under the Scheme as part of the race day report provided to RQ prior to funding being forwarded to the club.

3.9 Failure to acquit the grant will render the Club ineligible for further consideration under the Scheme until such time as the initial grant has been fully acquitted.

3.10 In applying under the Scheme, the race club acknowledges that RQ reserves the right to audit the accounts of the clubs with respect to the expenditure and application of funds received under the Scheme.

4.0 General

4.1 RQ will provide integrity services at no cost.

4.2 Race meetings approved for funding under the Scheme will be conducted under the Australian Rules of Racing, as industry participants will be permitted to move in and out of the Queensland Community Racing system. Race meetings/venues registered under the Australian Rules of Racing are included in the insurance arrangements with RQ.

4.3 The RQ, Non-Tab Thoroughbred Racing Services Manager may utilise discretion to relax the standard racing policy benchmark conditions to permit a meeting to proceed.

4.4 Race meetings may be conducted in conjunction with other equine events e.g. camp draft, rodeo, endurance etc.

4.5 Clubs may provide race day stewards, who reach the standard set by RQ. All enquiries regarding the Scheme should initially be directed to:
The RQ Non-Tab Thoroughbred Racing Services Manager Telephone: (07) 4928 5498
Email: ctruscott@racingqueensland.com.au
Additional copies of the application form may be obtained by contacting the above.
Application forms are also available online here (Forms may be photocopied).