Entries open for 2026 QOTT Showjumping Showcase

Entries are now open for one of the nation’s most lucrative showjumping events for retired racehorses, the Queensland Off-The-Track (QOTT) Program Showjumping Showcase.

After debuting in 2023, the event returns to the Royal Queensland Show on Sunday, August 9 and Monday, August 10, as part of the Ekka’s longstanding showjumping competition schedule.

A total of $50,000 in prize money will once again be up for grabs in the 1.20m class, while the 1.05m class will see an additional $25,000 available, with both categories paying down to 30th place.

To be staged in the Main Arena at the Brisbane Showgrounds, the events will be exclusively held for retired thoroughbred and standardbred racehorses.

Racing Minister Tim Mander said he was looking forward to seeing the QOTT Program Showjumping Showcase return to help celebrate 150 years of the Ekka.

“The QOTT program aims to maximise post-racing outcomes for retired thoroughbred and standardbred horses by identifying second career opportunities and retirement pathways,” Minister Mander said. 

“This program has been a major success and it showcases our commitment to further enhance animal welfare outcomes in Queensland racing. 

“For 150 years, the Ekka has been a highlight on the Queensland social calendar and the Showjumping Showcase, which offers a generous prize pool, is a tremendous opportunity to highlight the work of QOTT at one of Queensland’s most beloved events.”

QOTT will also present the prestigious Thoroughbred and Standardbred Day on Monday, August 10, with over $25,000 on offer across 18 ‘Led’ and ‘Under Saddle’ classes.

The raceday-style event will see the two versatile racing breeds compete for the sought-after Champion of their Breed title, with horse handlers presenting their horses to the judges in formal race day attire.

Entries for the QOTT Program Showjumping Showcase events close on Friday, June 26, while entries for the Thoroughbred and Standardbred Day competition close on Friday, July 31.

Racing Queensland Senior Animal Care Manager Kim Duffy said it was a thrill for RQ to continue the strong partnership with the RNA to deliver an exciting schedule of events to support retired racehorses.

“The QOTT Program Showjumping Showcase and Thoroughbred and Standardbred Day have firmly established themselves as highlights of the Ekka program, and each year we continue to see a lift in the standard of competition, which speaks to the quality of retraining and the commitment of riders working with these horses,” Ms Duffy said.

“What’s particularly exciting about these events is the continued growth in participation, reflecting the increasing confidence people have in retraining retired racehorses for competitive second careers.

“The Ekka provides an unmatched opportunity for the public to see retired racehorses in action and better understand just how adaptable and capable they are in new environments.

“It’s always rewarding to see these horses return to a large arena atmosphere and thrive – it really highlights the value of second careers after racing.

“We’re excited to continue building on the momentum of these events, ensuring retired racehorses remain strongly represented in mainstream equestrian sport.”

QOTT’s partnership with the ‘Horsing Around’ show will also continue, where acclaimed horse trainer Dave Manchon is joined by retired racehorses to share his training methods and how they can be applied when working with off-the-track horses.

Three 30-minute shows will be held per day, with an opportunity for the public to also get up close and personal with the horses who are also the stars of the EkkaNites Show.

Click here to view the RNA competition schedules.

Click here for more information on the QOTT Program.