Bumper prize money increases and brand-new facilities will headline another exciting edition of the iconic Birdsville Races this weekend.
Staged in the Simpson Desert, the 141st year of the Birdsville Races kicks off today, with another mammoth crowd expected to descend upon Outback Queensland.
Ahead of this year’s meeting, the Club has been the beneficiary of brand-new jockey and stewards’ rooms, that are set to improve the raceday experience for participants.
The new single structure includes equal-sized male and female jockey rooms, enclosed showers, and toilet cubicles.
In addition, the facility will also boast a stewards’ room, administration office and storage room, covered deck area, accessible toilet and ramped access.
The $700,000 upgrade was carried out by Johns Lyng Group and ModX Pty Ltd, with the entire building raised off the ground on stilts to cater for periodic flooding across the region.
Racing Minister Grace Grace said the new facilities were vitally important.
“These upgrades will breathe new life into the club and see proper separation of male and female change rooms for the first time in its history,” Minister Grace said.
“RQ has also worked with the Diamantina Shire Council to ensure the facility is raised and is flood-proof in an area that has previously experienced significant deluges.”
Earlier this year, Birdsville Race Club announced significant increases in total prize money for the 2023 event, with a total of $300,000 now on offer - up 15% from 2022.
Prize money for the coveted Birdsville Cup will go up nearly 20% from $42,000 in 2022, to $50,000 in 2023.
A range of bonuses and rebates for trainers and will also be on offer, including trainer, jockey and travel support.
"Country racing is the lifeblood of the industry across the Sunshine State, and thanks to the Palaszczuk Government’s new sustainable funding model for racing, our regional clubs and participants have more support than ever,” Minister Grace said.
“The Birdsville Races is a bucket list item for racing fans across the nation, and brings enormous benefit to the region including a $4 million boost to the local economy.”
Situated almost 1,600 kilometres west of Brisbane, Birdsville is one of Australia’s most remote towns which attracts close to 7000 fans each year, who make the annual pilgrimage to experience the magic of the event, including the legendary Birdsville Cup.
Two full days of racing will be programmed for Friday, September 1 and Saturday, September 2.
Click here for further information on the Birdsville Races.