Killing at The Q: $86m deathtrap for greyhounds - Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds

The Q is the over-budget, over-hyped, under-prepared and unsafe new greyhound racing complex at Ipswich in south-east Queensland.

It has exceeded the worst nightmares of greyhound welfare advocates by killing greyhounds even before it officially opened.

“Queensland greyhound racing participants can now proudly say they have a permanent home for their sport"
"Constructed with animal welfare at its core, The Q will be the envy of greyhound racing jurisdictions across Australia and the world.”

Tim Mander

Qld Racing Minister

Greyhounds killed at The Q

Two deaths at Q1 trials 24-25 March

Email from QRIC, 4 April:

“Throughout the trials on 24 and 25 March 2025, two greyhounds sustained hock fractures. The QRIC veterinarian oncourse provided immediate treatment and referred the greyhounds to an off-course vet for diagnostic treatment. Scans were completed on both animals, with a secondary opinion provided by an orthopaedic vet, resulting in both greyhounds being euthanised.”

Death of Federal Recall

Stewards report, 21 April:

Steward’s trial 457m: Federal Recall – Injury to the offside foreleg. Greyhound was humanely euthanised on track.
https://www.racingqueensland.com.au/racing/full-calendar/greyhound/meeting/qot%20/20250421/stewards-report

Death of He’s Whistling

Racing informant advised that “He’s Whistling” was injured at a Q1 trial in April and subsequently euthanised.

Death confirmed in FastTrack: https://fasttrack.grv.org.au/Dog/Details/846602327

and eTrac: “He’s Whistling, Status: Deceased, Sub-Status: Euth. – Injury”

Death of Feed Him Mungo

Stewards report 25 April:

“5 Feed Him Mungo – (Beaten favourite) Slow to begin. A post-race veterinary examination revealed an injury to the off-hind foot and under the provisions of GAR41(1) the greyhound has been stood down for 60 days. The greyhound must trial prior to any future nomination being accepted.”
https://www.racingqueensland.com.au/racing/full-calendar/greyhound/meeting/qot%20/20250425/stewards-report

Subsequent death confirmed in FastTrack: https://fasttrack.grv.org.au/Dog/Details/952144497

and eTrac: “Feed Him Mungo, Status: Deceased, Sub-Status: Euth. – Injury”

Death of Hara’s Mickey (killed between 12-15 May 2025)

Q2 stewards report 12 May 2025

4 Hara’s Mickey – Through the home turn gave significant ground. Failed to complete the event. A post-race veterinary examination revealed an injury to the nearside wrist. Under the provisions of GAR41(1) the greyhound was subsequently stood down from racing for 28 days and must complete a satisfactory steward’s trial prior to returning to racing.

Q2 stewards report 12may2025

Subsequent death confirmed in FastTrack:

https://fasttrack.grv.org.au/Dog/Details/792289064

and eTrac:

Hara’s Mickey

Status: Deceased

Sub-Status: Euth. – Injury

Status Date: 15/05/2025

" ... it is like Disneyland for greyhounds"

Trainer Jason Sharp on 4 May 2025

Five deaths recorded

Background

The Q is a multi-track greyhound racing complex situated at Purga just south of Ipswich, west of Brisbane in south-east Queensland. The precinct features three tracks – a straight track, a one-turn track and a two-turn track. It will replace two existing tracks: Ipswich and Albion Park.

Original cost: $39m
Final cost: $86.3m
Taxpayer funding: $44.1m
Construction started: 2023

The industry boasts that The Q will use the “latest best practice standards” for greyhound racing safety principles, including modern cambers and drop-on boxes.

One-turn track “Q1 Lakeside”

First race 4 April 2025
Trials prior to racing “to ensure dogs are accustomed to the new track”
QRIC has confirmed injuries plus two deaths caused by trialling – euthanasia for hock fractures
QRIC statement: Throughout the trials on 24 and 25 March 2025, two greyhounds sustained hock fractures. The QRIC veterinarian oncourse provided immediate treatment and referred the greyhounds to an off-course vet for diagnostic treatment. Scans were completed on both animals, with a secondary opinion provided by an orthopaedic vet, resulting in both greyhounds being euthanised.

Straight track “Q Straight” and two-turn track “Q2 Parklands”

First race at Q2 Parklands on 8 May
Racing continues at Albion Park until Q Straight opens

Official opening held on June 7.

Ladbrokes is the official wagering partner of the precinct, including signage on all three tracks and naming rights status for the club’s feature events.

So-called safety features

Track radius and surface banking to be designed in a way to reduce excessive limb forces acting on greyhounds while racing;
The implementation of modern cambers and a world-class racing surface;
Starting box positioning to reduce interference during race starts, including drop-on boxes where best suited;
Construction of best-practice starting boxes incorporating optimum spacing between contestants, grille heights and starting location alignment;
Air-conditioned, sound-attenuated kennels with best practice pre and post racing support services.

“It will be the best greyhound facility in the world"