Mount Isa set to break new ground in Queensland

By Jordan Gerrans

The Mount Isa Race Club is looking forward to showcasing North West racing on Good Friday as the first track in Queensland to ever host a meeting on the day.

The Sunshine State will join Victoria, Western Australia, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory in running thoroughbred racing on Good Friday in 2026.

Mount Isa’s Buchanan Park will host seven TAB races on the first Friday in April, with the meeting to be broadcast on Sky 2.

Mount Isa Race Club President Jay Morris believes introducing a gallops meeting on Good Friday is a perfect opportunity to celebrate racing in the bush.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for our club and the industry,” Morris said.

“It shows what’s possible when we think outside the box.”

The opportunity to race on Good Friday was instigated following a change in programming this week.

Racing Queensland advised that the non-TAB race meeting scheduled for Boulia Turf Club on Saturday, April 4, was to be transferred to Mount Isa Race Club and will now be run on Friday, April 3, as a TAB meeting.

“We are really glad through consultation with Racing Queensland that this meeting will be able to be broadcast on Sky 2,” Morris said.

“Locally here in Mount Isa, we are going to promote the day as a family day out, first and foremost.

“We will have a number of attractions for the kids so hopefully the meeting can be well-supported and become a regular fixture for the North West area.”

It is set to be a busy period for participants in the North and Central West.

Mount Isa will race on the Friday, followed by a Barcaldine non-TAB program on Saturday, while Augathella hosts their annual Easter Monday meeting a few days later.

“With the three meetings across the few days, it is a big chance for us to get a few more jockeys heading out our way and we are hopeful that will happen,” Morris said.

Before Good Friday rolls around, Mount Isa will host a six-event non-TAB program this Saturday, with 46 gallopers accepted to face the starter.