The nation’s most lucrative showjumping event for retired racehorses will take centre stage at this year’s Royal Queensland Show.
Held at the Brisbane Showgrounds, the Ekka will host the Queensland Off-The-Track Program Showcase on Monday, August 14 for the first time as a part of its showjumping competition schedule.
The new competition is headlined by the nation’s largest prize money pool presently on offer for a showjumping class exclusive for retired racehorses, with an incredible $50,000 on offer – including $10,000 to the winner and paying down to 30th place.
Set to be held in the Main Arena, the event will be open to any Off-The-Track thoroughbred or standardbred that has been registered for racing in Australia.
Entries for the competition close Friday, June 16.
Racing Minister Grace Grace said she is proud to see the RNA introduce a showjumping category exclusive to Off-The-Track horses.
“For almost 150 years, the Ekka has been a highlight on the Queensland social calendar and continues play a vital role in showcasing our three codes of racing,” Minister Grace said.
“The unveiling of the new Queensland Off-The-Track Program Showcase is another fantastic way to support our former champion racehorses doing great things in their post-racing careers.
“In addition, the incentive of an impressive prize money pool for an Off-The-Track exclusive event is a great reward for those who ensure that our animals enjoy a rewarding and fulfilling life after racing.”
With more than 400,000 people attending the Ekka each year, QOTT Board Chair Christine Johnson said it’s the perfect opportunity to showcase the life-after-racing opportunities available to retired racehorses.
“This event will showcase the versatility and suitability of retired racehorses for careers outside of racing, and to be able to present something of this calibre on home soil is very exciting,” Dr Johnson said.
“We all have a shared love of supporting our retired racehorses in retirement, and we want to grow Off-The-Track horse participation in equestrian sports and create incentives for athletes to compete on retired thoroughbred and standardbred horses.
“Already, our objective of stimulating demand and creating competition pathways for retired racehorses is being realised through our successful Event Sponsorship Program, which has sponsored more than 180 events across Queensland since the program launched 12 months ago.”
The QOTT program was established in 2021 following the Martin Inquiry to provide a high-quality first transition for thoroughbreds and standardbreds from racing and breeding activities to retirement.
Since its inception, QOTT has launched four major initiatives including Subsidised Lessons Program, Acknowledged Retrainers Program, Event Sponsorship Program and QOTT Grants Program.
Click here to view the full RNA show schedule.
Click here for more information on the QOTT Program.