Police say the poisoning of a horse racing track, which derailed Queensland’s richest race carnival, was intentional.

Gold Coast Acting Superintendent Jason Tuffley said investigations had ruled out accidental damage to the Gold Coast Turf Club earlier this month. 

The section of track leading into the home straight was discovered a day before the opening racing event of the week-long Magic Millions carnival. 

It prompted a last-minute move to the Sunshine Coast and intensive efforts, which successfully repaired the damage so racing could continue the following week.  

Home straight damage

Acting Superintendent Tuffley said an independent investigation commissioned by the club agreed with police that the common glyphosate-based herbicide Roundup was used to kill the grass.

He said police believed the damage was wilfully committed but no suspects or motive had been identified. 

However, he said a key section of the track was damaged. 

“If that turf is not solid or formed, the horse has a risk of slipping or falling over, which would cause damage to the horses.” 

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The risk posed by the damage prompted officials to move the races.

He said investigations suggested the turf had been poisoned around New Years’ Day, roughly four to five days before the races. 

“It could be a targeted attack against the racing industry itself, or the Gold Coast Turf Club or the Magic Millions event itself,” Acting Superintendent Tuffley said.

Shortly after the damage was discovered, Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses founder Elio Celotto said there was “no way” any activist was responsible for damage to the track because that would be a threat to the animals. 

Acting Superintendent Tuffley said investigations continued, but police had few leads to follow.