Racing: Hefty track fee rises incense Gold Coast trainers

Trainers are incensed over plans by the Gold Coast Turf Club to more than double track fees and will meet next week to discuss a response.

Members of the Australian Trainers' Association and the Queensland Racehorse Owners' Association will meet on Tuesday to discuss the hefty rise in fees which starts from June 1.

The Gold Coast Turf Club has announced an increase from A$45 to A$100 per horse per month, a rise of 122 per cent.

It claims training facility costs outweigh the income received and the club incurs a loss of more than A$800,000 a year on training tracks alone, excluding costs associated with the course proper.

"Our members are alarmed at this dramatic fee increase and also at the seeming lack of direction at the Gold Coast," Duff said.

"Trainers and owners are concerned this fee increase might be the tip of the iceberg if things keep going in this direction."

- AAP