Page:1930 QLD Royal Commission into Racing Report.djvu/39



In 1921, a Royal Commission sat to inquire into the safety of the course. At that period, the running track was of couch grass roots, soil, and sand. That Commission found that certain curves then existing on the track were unsafe. Subsequently the track was altered to its present condition, with a minimum curve of about 3½ chains radius, and a running surface partly of sand and partly of grass.

On inspection, the surface of the track did not appear to be uniform. The running of the inside horses forces the sand outwards and forms a bank at the junction of the sand and the grass. This constitutes an unnecessary source of danger. Apart from this, the fact that at some stage of a race a horse may have to pass from heavy-going sand to hard turf, or vice versa, or may even be galloping partly on sand and partly on grass adds a further unnecessary element of danger. A further unnecessary source of danger arises from the presence of an uncovered drain on the outside of the straight.

The track would be more safe if the surface throughout were of sand. As the circumference of the course is so small, with the necessary result of sharp turns, the presence of sand is necessary for safety; but this sand should be evenly distributed over all the running-surface.

With this suggested alteration and untiring supervision by the stewards to prevent interference, the course should be safe for strictly-limited fields.

The present limit of fields is fifteen runners.

Much evidence was offered to show that this limit is excessive.

The organised body of owners, trainers, and jockeys using the course is of that opinion, although divided as to what would be a safe limit. The club's minute book shows that, on several occasions since 1923, requests have been made for a reduction in the fields to a maximum of twelve.

The Commission considers that the surface should be made and maintained uniform throughout its width and that the above-mentioned drain should be protected, and that until these alterations are made no field of more than twelve runners should be started on the course.

With the above qualifications as to the safety of the track, and considering the admittedly second-class nature of the racing conducted thereat, Kedron Park, which is centrally situated and very accessible, appears reasonably suitable for the purposes to which it is put.

Its appointments, while not in any way comparable with those to be found on registered courses, are, on the whole, reasonably sufficient to supply the needs of its own limited racing public. There is, however, no accommodation sufficient for such gatherings as are generally to be found on registered courses.

(b) Coorparoo Racecourse.

This, course comprises an area of 23 acres 1 rood 35.5 perches held, under certificates of title Nos. 116886, 163203, 128210, 128641, 132390, 121017, and deeds of grant Nos. 109707, 109708, by Brisbane Amusements, Limited, as registered proprietor in fee-simple.

No encumbrances are endorsed on these titles. In fact, all the lands are mortgaged to the English, Scottish, and Australian Bank, Limited, under an unregistered bill of mortgage, dated 16th November, 1923.