$400,000 up for grabs in revamped Battle of the Bush series
Queensland’s Battle of the Bush series will be expanded in 2027 with a $400,000 prize money injection into regional racing.
The state’s showpiece winter country series will retain its 1200-metre sprint heats, with prize money doubling from $12,500 to $25,000, while a new 1500-metre middle-distance series will feature heats worth $15,000 each and a $100,000 final.
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,” Minister Mander said.
“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.
“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.”
The 1200m final will retain its $200,000 prize pool and, along with the new 1500m final, will be held at Eagle Farm on Tattersall’s Tiara Raceday as part of the Queensland Racing Carnival.
“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.”
Eligible winners will also have the chance to secure a $30,000 QTIS bonus, while their qualifying club will receive $10,000, with conditions for the 2027 series to be released in coming months.
