Bush gallopers Brisbane-bound for Battle of the Bush series

Some of Queensland’s best bush gallopers will vie for Winter Carnival riches at Doomben in June as part of an exciting new country racing series.

Racing Minister Stirling Hinchliffe announced the new Battle of the Bush series at Thangool Races in Central Queensland on Saturday.

“The Battle of the Bush series will give country participants the chance to share in the excitement of a Group 1 race day,” he said.

“It will bring 16 qualifiers from eight country regions to Doomben for a rich $100,000 final on Tattersall’s Tiara Day on June 23, the climax of the Brisbane Winter Racing Carnival.

“This big purse is sure to get hearts racing in country Queensland, while showcasing the talent of our bush gallopers.

“Battle of the Bush will also give country trainers a chance to shine on the national stage at a time when all racing eyes will be on Brisbane.

“I want to encourage owners and trainers throughout country Queensland to get involved in this brilliant Battle of the Bush series.

“It’s yet another fantastic way the Palaszczuk Government is supporting country racing in Queensland.

“We’re investing $70 million over four years through a Country Racing Package, which will secure the future of the sport at its grassroots.

“This is in addition to our $6 million country and regional capital works program, which is benefiting race clubs throughout Queensland.

“We’ll continue to support country racing because we recognise the tremendous benefits it generates in this State.

“Racing contributes more than $1.2 billion to the Queensland economy, with more than 47 per cent of that value realised in regional parts of the state.

“It’s also crucial for jobs, with 42,000 Queenslanders employed or engaged in the industry.” 

Queensland Hall of Fame trainer Peter Moody has thrown his support behind the Battle of the Bush series.

Moody began his training career in Western Queensland before going on to conquer the racing world in Australia and abroad with horses such as Black Caviar, Typhoon Tracy and Dissident. 

“Racing is a way of life for people living in country and regional Queensland, and I welcome any new idea which aims to shine the spotlight on the hard-working participants that exist within these regions,” Mr Moody said.
 
Racing Queensland Chief Executive Officer Dr Eliot Forbes said in an effort to alleviate the cost of travelling to Brisbane for the final, Racing Queensland will offer qualifiers float subsidies of up to $2000. 

“Racing Queensland will make every effort to assist qualifiers make the journey to Brisbane to take part in this celebration of Queensland thoroughbred racing,” Dr Forbes said. 

The qualification races will kick off at Cunnamulla on Anzac Day, 2018, and wrap up in Barcaldine on June 9, 2018.

To be eligible to compete in a qualifier, a horse must have started in a minimum of 5 non-TAB races in Queensland in the 12 months immediately preceding the acceptance date for that qualifier specifically. 

Media contact: Martin Philip 0427 919 548

The series in full comprises the following: