Some of Australasia’s best horses will be invited to Brisbane for an all-expenses paid tilt at the Group One Stradbroke Handicap.
The Brisbane Racing Club on Wednesday unveiled plans to attract some of the best horses in Australia and New Zealand to compete in its headline winter carnival races from this year.
The winners of the Newmarket Handicap, TJ Smith Stakes, The Goodwood and the Telegraph Handicap in New Zealand will be eligible for an invitation to run in the Stradbroke.
A similar scheme has been adopted for the Queensland Oaks with the winners of selected Classic fillies races around Australia and New Zealand to be invited to compete in the Brisbane version.
“Our vision was to create the ultimate showdown of Australasia’s racing champions here in Brisbane, setting a new benchmark in Australian racing which champions our local industry,” BRC chairman Kevin Dixon said.
The initiative is being jointly funded by the Queensland government through Events Queensland and the Brisbane Racing Club.
Travel fees and the respective entry fees for the Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) and Queensland Oaks (2400m) will be covered for eligible horses.
Gai Waterhouse said the series of invitation races was a great way to bolster the carnival in Queensland.
“It’s a great concept because you’re bringing together the best of the best,” Waterhouse said.
“To think you’re going to bring together a number of Group One winners from the other handicaps around Australia and New Zealand only can make for better racing and a better quality field.”
The Brisbane carnival kicks off in May with the Queensland Oaks on June 2 and the Stradbroke a week later, both at Eagle Farm.
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