Roma races rejuvenate regional Queensland

One of the most highly anticipated country racing events of the year will kick off in south-west Queensland tomorrow, as the annual Roma races get underway.

More than 8,000 people are expected to attend Bassett Park race course for the cup meeting, set to inject $2 million into the local economy.

Welcoming the event, Queensland Racing Minister Steve Dickson explained that the Queensland "the Roma Turf Club and the local racing community benefit significantly from this meeting, but importantly too, so does the local business community and the town of Roma, which will be full to capacity with visitors making the most of their stay."

Minister Dickson said racegoers would be better placed to follow the on-track action on Saturday with the unveiling of a new mobile LED super screen, one of two provided through the Racing Industry Capital Development Scheme.

He added "these new mobile screens will be available for clubs to use free of charge for their major race meetings to help bring the action from the track to patrons," he said.

The Roma Cup has also been renamed the XXXX Gold Desiree Gill Memorial Cup, paying tribute to the memory of Desiree Gill who tragically passed away this week from injuries sustained in a race fall.

Roma Turf Club president Ranald Ferrier said the Roma races had established itself in recent years as Queensland's premier country race meeting, adding "it's the biggest on the country racing calendar, and the one offering the most prize money.

"We'll have people here from as far afield as Melbourne and Sydney, as well as Townsville, Cairns and other parts of central and south east Queensland.

"The Roma meeting creates a tremendous atmosphere in the town, stores and businesses all join in by decorating their shop windows, and there are flags and fairy lights in the main street."

16th July 2013 - GOLD COAST TURF CLUB TO COOPERATE WITH QUEENSLAND RACING INQUIRY