Queensland’s showpiece country racing series is set to get underway this weekend.
Now in its ninth year, the Ladbrokes Battle of the Bush will commence at Goondiwindi on Saturday, with a further 15 qualifiers to be staged in April, May and June across the state.
All roads will lead to Eagle Farm for the $200,000 Final as a part of the Queensland Racing Carnival, to be run as a part of the Group 1 Tattersall’s Tiara Raceday on June 27.
A $30,000 bonus will once again provide a boost to the state’s breeding industry, if the winner is a QTIS-registered horse.
Racing Minister Tim Mander said that the Crisafulli Government remains steadfast in its support for country racing across the state.
“Country racing is the lifeblood of so many regional communities across the state, and the Battle of the Bush remains its showpiece event,” Minister Mander said.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for our regional participants to be able to compete to take their place on a Group 1 raceday whilst the eyes of the nation are on the Queensland Racing Carnival.
“More than half of the industry’s near $2.5 billion in economic contribution directly benefits the regions, and we are proud to back the state’s thriving country racing community.”
Striking grey gelding Peshwa – trained by Lindsay Hatch – took out the 2025 iteration in a thrilling photo finish with premiership hoop Angela Jones aboard, combining for their first respective successes in the series.
Trainer Olivia Cairns and hoop Justin Stanley have combined twice to win the series, on an honour roll that also includes legendary bush horses Mason’s Chance, Hanover Square and Art By Concorde.
For a third year in succession, Ladbrokes will continue its support of the Battle of the Bush, with the final on June 27 supported by a function to be staged in the Ladbrokes Rough Habit Room.
Finally, the popular Fashions From Afar competition will run in conjunction with each of the BOTB qualifiers, culminating with its own final on Tattersall's Tiara Day.
Click here for more information on the Battle of the Bush Series.
