Prize money and incentives boost for Birdsville

Organisers of the Birdsville Races have announced that prize money, and rebates for trainers and jockeys, have been increased for the 2026 event.

Renowned as the Melbourne Cup of the Outback, the 144th iteration of the historic race has raised the stakes with a $20,000 boost to the prize pool, taking it to a record $350,0000 this year.

The TAB Birdsville Cup race prize money has jumped from $60,000 to $70,000, and following the successful inaugural running in 2025, the Akubra Big Red sprint race prizemoney has risen to $45,000 this year.

These feature races are supported by a strong undercard that includes two QTIS bonus races boasting $40,000 and $43,000 prize pools for eligible horses.

Horse trainer travel rebates have increased by more than 50%, up from $165 per horse, per start to $250 in 2026, and the jockey rebate will increase from $400 to $450, with the combined injection set to attract an even stronger field to the remote desert track.

When the event returns to the iconic red dirt of the Birdsville racecourse on September 4-5, the increased prize pool strengthens its place as one of the richest and most unique race meetings in Outback Australia. 

Birdsville Race Club Vice President Gary Brook says the improved travel rebates acknowledge the realities of racing in the Outback with long distances to travel – and will help ensure that the field remains competitive.

“Increasing prize money and rebates allows us to support participants and incentivise them to travel, which in turn helps us deliver an unforgettable experience for racegoers,” said Gary Brook. 

“We’re grateful to be in a position to continue to strengthen our race program and know the increased rebates will be welcomed by all racing participants, that remain the lifeblood of the sport and our event. 

"We were already the richest race meet in Outback Queensland, and this elevates us even more.”

A celebration of outback spirit, every September the Birdsville Races see thousands of punters trade suburban street scapes for endless horizons and red earth as they make the annual pilgrimage to the bucket list event on the edge of the Simpson Desert for two unforgettable days of thoroughbred horse racing and revelry.

The 13-race Birdsville program attracts trainers, jockeys, bookies and racing enthusiasts from across Australia, with the carnival atmosphere spilling beyond the track with the RFDS Gala, RFDS Fun Run, Fashions on the Field, live music and cold beers at the Birdsville Hotel, food stalls, auctions and star-filled nights under a wide desert sky.

Click here for more information on the 2026 Birdsville Races.