Queensland’s showpiece country racing series returns this weekend with all roads leading to the Tattersall’s Tiara Raceday at Eagle Farm on June 24.
Commencing at Goondiwindi and Gympie on Saturday, the Battle of the Bush will feature 16 qualifiers (two per country region) across the state, with the final heats to be staged at Barcaldine on June 10.
Once again, the Battle of the Bush will reach its thrilling crescendo at Eagle Farm, with the $200,000 Final run as a part of the Queensland Racing Carnival.
As an added incentive, a $30,000 bonus will once again be paid to the winner if it is a QTIS-registered horse.
This Saturday, the Gympie Turf Club will host a qualifier for the first time in the series’ history, while the Goondiwindi & McIntyre Picnic Race Club will also hold their first qualifier as a combined entity.
Racing Queensland Acting CEO Adam Wallish said he was looking forward to the return of the highly anticipated series, following a rain interrupted edition in 2022.
“The Battle of the Bush remains the showpiece event for country racing in Queensland,” Mr Wallish.
“It’s been a runaway hit since its inception, and I am excited to see it return bigger and better in 2023.
“The series continues to energise our country and regional participants and provides them with a unique opportunity to be able to compete on a metropolitan Group 1 raceday as a part of the Queensland Racing Carnival.”
Additionally, the well-received Fashions From Afar competition returns in 2023.
Fashions From Afar will run in conjunction with each qualifier around the state, with $500 on offer for both male and female winners at each meeting, who will then compete for a $5,000 grand prize ($2,500 per category) on Tattersall's Tiara Day.
“In addition to the action on the track, Fashions From Afar is equally important for those who like to celebrate the age-old tradition of trackside style,” Mr Wallish said.
“It’s great to see competitors from every corner of the state descend on Eagle Farm, and I look forward to welcoming our finalists back to Headquarters in 2023.”
Click here for more information on the Battle of the Bush Series.
