Recent changes to the racing industry have had more than one positive effect for the Warwick Turf Club. Apart from firming the resolve of the Turf Club committee to build on the successful strategies which have ensured the viability of the club in the past, publicity about the tough times which face Queensland country racing has alerted people to the fact that they need to support their local race club if it is to ride out these difficult times.

A recent membership drive has seen a 25% increase in membership during the past month, with new applications still steadily arriving at the secretary's office. 

Club President Ted Donegan says, "We are delighted with the response to our membership drive.  It is evident to us that people see racing as a valuable social occasion in Warwick;  as well, people seem to realise that a local Club that is nearly 150 years old is a social landmark which must not be allowed to fade away.

"Many people have said that they did not realise that the Warwick Turf Club is one of the original race clubs in Queensland, having been created by a special Act of Parliament around 1858. 

"An even more interesting statistic is that the Warwick Cup is actually older than the Melbourne Cup!   The first Warwick Cup was held in 1859, 2 years earlier than the first Melbourne Cup."

Ted went on to point out that membership of the Warwick Turf Club already offers reciprocal rights with Stanthorpe, Toowoomba and the Sunshine Coast Turf Club. The solidarity of country race clubs is now being further developed, with reciprocal arrangements being negotiated between Warwick and the Lockyer, Esk, Kilcoy, Beaudesert and Dalby Clubs.

"This initiative will value-add greatly to Warwick Turf Club membership," said Ted.

contact  Jane Grieve  0427 004094 
Tuesday, April 24, 2007 
Secretary - Warwick Turf Club