Racing industry on show at the Ekka

The best of the racing industry will be on display at the Brisbane Showgrounds this month, with Racing Queensland continuing its long-term association with the Ekka.

Over the past two decades, RQ has partnered with the RNA, showcasing everything that is great about racing in the Sunshine State as part of the Royal Queensland Show.

Held for the first time in 2023, the Queensland Off-The-Track Program Showcase on Monday, August 14 headlines this year’s show, in turn becoming the most lucrative showjumping event for retired racehorses.

The new competition features 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.

For the harness code, there will be nightly racing in the Main Arena, culminating in a finale on Sunday, August 20, as well as Mini Trots on both Sunday nights of the Ekka.

There’ll also be something on offer for dog lovers, with the Greyhound Sweepstakes on Sunday, August 13 giving the public the chance to interact with the Greyhound Adoption Program's dogs on show and check out the judging.

Other highlights of the Ekka, which runs from August 12 to 20, include:

• Thoroughbred and Standardbred Day in the Main Arena;
• Owners From The Track Afternoon Tea;
• Horsing Around, which will highlight off-the-track horses who are now enjoying their post-racing careers; and
• RQ training and education exhibit promoting the many and varied career opportunities in the industry.

With more than 400,000 people attending the Ekka each year, RQ CEO Jason Scott heralded the ongoing success of the partnership between RQ and the Ekka.

“The Ekka is one of the highlights on the Queensland social calendar, and has been part of the fabric of our state for almost 150 years,” Mr Scott said.

“Our industry has so much to be proud of, and we are looking forward to showcasing the wide-ranging functions of our codes to the community, in appreciation of our incredible animals and participants.

“There will be something for everyone with the best of all three codes of racing on offer, and we are especially keen to see the first ever QOTT Program Showcase take centre stage, exclusively for former racehorses.

“It will be another fantastic way to support our former champion racehorses who are thriving in their post-racing careers.”

Click here for more information on RQ's presence at the Ekka.