From the Callers Box – November 2025

What am I missing here? It seems straightforward but perhaps it isn’t.

Why is racing returning to back-to-back days at Albion Park and Redcliffe?

In recent months, the schedule has been Tuesday  in Albion Park, Wednesday in Redcliffe, Thursday in Albion Park, Friday in Redcliffe and Saturday in Albion Park. Surely this makes perfect sense.

Given that the greyhounds have moved out of Albion Park to their new look state of the art complex at Yamanto, there is no restrictions on Albion Park, the metropolitan venue and home of harness racing in the Sunshine State.

So, doesn’t this current schedule, as stated above, make it a no brainer?

A day between each meeting allows track staff, at both venues, to prepare the best possible surface for our equine athletes. And punters can bet with more confidence that the tracks are ready to go and present in tip top shape each day. As we know, turnover is King!

So, why are we returning to the old schedule of Tuesday in Albion Park, Wednesday in Redcliffe, Thursday in Redcliffe, Friday in Albion Park and Saturday in Albion Park.

Why are we placing our tracks and track staff under pressure? And more so, during summer – peak storm season.

Importantly, by staging Friday night meetings at Albion Park, we jeopardise our main and highest turnover meeting of the week, the Saturday metropolitan program.

What if a band of storm cells roll through on a Friday afternoon? The potential of a sub-standard racing surface is non-negotiable. So why are we taking the risk? And given we have a new-look summer carnival planned and fast approaching, I find this move baffling.

Common sense must prevail. Or maybe I’m missing something.

Until next time.