QGRC Announces Updated Trial Schedule at The Q Effective 19 January

Wednesday 14 January 2:30pm

The Queensland Greyhound Racing Club (QGRC) has announced changes to the trial schedule at The Q, designed to improve efficiency and better meet participant demand.

New Trial Schedule 

Effective Monday, 19 January, the following trial sessions will apply:

 

QGRC General Manager – Racing, Steve Harling, said the changes follow a detailed review of six months of trial data and consultation with the QGRC Racing Subcommittee.

“Since late November, only about 60% of available trials on the Q Straight have been booked. With eight race meetings each week and six trial sessions, we’re always looking for ways to use resources efficiently while maintaining trial opportunities for participants,” Harling said.

“Wednesdays are already a heavy day with morning trials, a race meeting, and trials after races on Q1. By removing the Wednesday Q Straight session, we ease that load and have the capacity to extend Saturday QS trials instead, as racing starts later in the day.”


Booking Information

The Club reminds participants that trial bookings remain open until 11:00pm the night before a trial session, allowing trainers to take up any cancelled spots.

Harling added: “When bookings open, they fill quickly. However, cancellations later in the day create new opportunities. If you’re chasing a trial, keep checking the On The Clock page throughout the day and into the night as we have noticed trainers are cancelling trials.”


Future Improvements

The Club will continue to review trial session data and processes, with initiatives under consideration such as automatic waiting lists and ticket-style booking systems. These will be evaluated further after the conclusion of the 2025/26 Golden Greys Summer Carnival.


Catchers Required

Participants are reminded to bring a catcher when attending trials. Recent data shows most trainers are not providing catchers, requiring staff assistance.

“This adds cost and delays sessions. If this trend continues, we’ll need to consider a fee for trainers who don’t provide a catcher,” Harling said.

“It’s not just about cost—having trainers catch their own dogs speeds up trial blocks and avoids delays.”


Trainers Block trials – Wednesday nights 

Trial fees now apply to the Trainers Block trials held on Wednesday nights immediately after the Q1 race meeting. These fees will be charged at the current trial rates and processed through On The Clock following the completion of the session.

 

For further information, check out the Trials Bookings page on the QGRC website or contact the QGRC Racing Team at The Q during business hours on (07) 3862 1744.