Prize money boost for revamped Battle of the Bush
The reimagined Battle of the Bush series has today been unveiled, headlined by a $400,000 prize money injection into regional racing.
Queensland’s showpiece winter county racing series will see enhancements to the existing 1200-metre sprint series through increased prize money for each of the heats, and will for the first time incorporate a new 1500-metre middle distance format, inclusive of heats and a final.
Under the new format, 16 sprint heats will be run over 1200m, with prize money increased from $12,500 to $25,000.
Middle-distance heats will be contested for $15,000 per heat, with the repurposing of existing races seeing a jump of $5,000 each.
Racing Minister Tim Mander said the expanded series delivered on a key initiative from the Crisafulli Government’s Racing Review.
“Country racing is part of the social fabric of regional Queensland, more than half of the industry’s $2.5 billion in economic contribution directly benefits the regions, and we’re proud to be backing the clubs, volunteers, owners, trainers and jockeys who keep this industry thriving across Queensland,” Minister Mander said.
“The expansion of the Battle of the Bush delivers on a key commitment in The Next Lap: A plan for the future of Queensland racing to expand the current Battle of the Bush series and provide greater racing opportunities and incentives for our regional participants.”
All roads will again lead to Eagle Farm for two finals as part of the Queensland Racing Carnival, to be run as a part of the Group 1 Tattersall’s Tiara Raceday.
The existing $200,000 purse will remain in place for the 1200m final, while $100,000 would go on the line in the 1500m final.
Adding extra incentive, a $30,000 QTIS bonus will be up for grabs to any eligible winner, whilst a $10,000 bonus will be paid to the club from where each of the winners qualified.
“Since its inception in 2018, the Battle of the Bush has been country racing’s showpiece event, and we are excited to see it expand in its 10th year,” Racing Queensland Chair Matt McGrath said.
“Both series will be contested from April to June, to ensure that horses can race in heats and finals in the one preparation, whilst still continuing to attract quality fields and provide some added incentive for participants.
“The series already provides a chance for our participants to take their place on a Group 1 raceday, but the addition of a new middle-distance final will add even further excitement to the penultimate day of the Queensland Racing Carnival.”
New conditions for the 2027 series will be released in the coming months.
