The Queensland Government has reached a heads of agreement with Australian Quarter Horse Racing Development Pty Ltd (AQHRD) to develop nearly 1600 hectares of land in the Mary Valley as the first step in creating a national Quarter Horse breeding and racing industry in Queensland.

AQHRD's $60 million proposal for the Mary Valley involves the development of:

quarter horse racing facilities including a race track, training track, race viewing facilities, stables for around 400 horses and administration offices
a licensed facility, including wagering and gaming
a restaurant / café / race club facilities
a fine dining restaurant or quality club facility for race club members
high quality tourist accommodation
recreational riding opportunities, camp sites and links to the National Trail
a university-supported Equestrian School of Excellence
an equestrian events arena / facility
a quarter horse breeding stud
an equine estate – small acreage residential sites

The project has the potential to deliver economic benefit to the region through the creation of 145 new jobs. The project also presents strong flow-on opportunities for other business and suppliers and has the potential to be a catalyst for further economic development in the Mary Valley and Gympie area.

However, wasn't this tested by Bob Jane at Calder Park and flopped miserably back in the late 80's or early 90's?

My sister lives in the United States, and a contingent of Australians have flown there, to look at the racing model and check out the horse flesh there.
Don't like to be a wet blanket, but I can't see it attracting huge numbers of punters, nor sponsors. Therefore I don't think it can succeed.

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