Racing Queensland and the Brisbane Racing Club hope to this week finalise the lead-up tests of the Eagle Farm track before racing resumes.
Queensland’s former premier track has been out of operation for most of the past four years because of a redevelopment.
A December 22 race date has been pencilled in for the Eagle Farm return with most predicting some track gallops on December 4 and trials on December 11.
But RQ chief executive Brendan Parnell says nothing has been set in stone.
“We aren’t putting pressure on anyone for the return. We are aiming at jump-outs or trials on December 11 but first we want to put a couple horses over the new surface in track work,” Parnell said.
“That will happen in the next fortnight or so but I can’t be definite about a date.
“One thing that is definite is there will be two jump-outs at Eagle Farm on December 11 as long as the weather holds.”
Parnell said the major factor for the Eagle Farm comeback would be to give the track time to consolidate.
“We have said it won’t carry a major workload for at least 18 months. Also it means we won’t be racing three Saturdays in a row during the winter carnival.
“Everyone knows how important it is to get the return right so we have to take it step by step.”
The Eagle Farm situation is sure to be a topic at the Racing Queensland annual general meeting on Wednesday.
There will also be a major report to stake holders at a function on Thursday night.
