- The Crisafulli Government is delivering the first stage of the Battle of the Bush expansion.
- The boost is a key initiative of The Next Lap: a plan for the future of Queensland racing.
- $400,000 in prize money will also support country racing participants across the state.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering for Queensland’s racing sector after a decade of decline under the former Labor Government.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering on its commitment to strengthen country racing, with a major expansion of the Battle of the Bush series set to create more opportunities for communities across Queensland.
The expansion is a key initiative in the Crisafulli Government’s The Next Lap: A plan for the future of Queensland racing , with the first stage to strengthen the pathway from country heats to two finals at Eagle Farm as part of Group 1 Tattersall’s Tiara Raceday.
Regional racing participants will also have the chance to compete for increased prize money under the expanded Battle of the Bush series from 2027.
Key features of the expanded Battle of the Bush include:
- The 1200-metre sprint series will feature 16 heats, with prize money doubled from $12,500 to $25,000 for each race
- A new 1500-metre middle-distance series will also be introduced, with heats carrying $15,000 in prize money – an increase of $5,000 on the existing races being repurposed for the format
- The existing $200,000 purse will remain in place for the 1200-metre final, while the new 1500-metre final will carry $100,000 in prize money
- A $30,000 QTIS bonus will be available to any eligible winner, with a further $10,000 bonus for the club where each winner qualified.
After a decade of neglect under the former Labor Government, the Crisafulli Government is delivering on its plan to strengthen Queensland’s country racing.
Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander said the expanded series delivered on a key initiative from the Crisafulli Government’s Racing Review.
“Country racing is part of the social fabric of regional Queensland,” Minister Mander said.
“More than half of the industry’s $2.5 billion in economic contribution directly benefits the regions, and we’re proud to be backing the clubs, volunteers, owners, trainers and jockeys who keep this industry thriving across Queensland.
“The expansion of the Battle of the Bush delivers on a key commitment in The Next Lap: A plan for the future of Queensland racing to expand the current Battle of the Bush series and provide greater racing opportunities and incentives for our regional participants.
“After a decade of neglect under the former Labor government, the Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for country racing in Queensland.”
Racing Queensland Chair Matt McGrath said that, since its inception in 2018, the Battle of the Bush had become country racing’s showpiece event, and he was excited to see it expand in its 10th year.
“Both series will be contested from April to June, to ensure that horses can race in heats and finals in the one preparation, whilst still continuing to attract quality fields and provide some added incentive for participants,” Mr McGrath said.
“The series already provides a chance for our participants to take their place on a Group 1 race day, but the addition of a new middle-distance final will add even further excitement to the penultimate day of the Queensland Racing Carnival.”
New conditions for the 2027 series will be released in the coming months.
