Queensland Racing Carnival launched

The format of the 2026 Queensland Racing Carnival, featuring more than $28 million in prize money across 11 meetings from May 2 to July 4, has been unveiled.

The Brisbane Racing Club’s newly reminted Ladbrokes Stradbroke Season will again anchor the 10‑week program, hosting seven marquee racedays and all eight Group 1 events.

The $6.5 million Ladbrokes Stradbroke Raceday on June 13 remains the centrepiece, headlined by the $3 million Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap, the $1 million Group 1 JJ Atkins and the $1.2 million Group 2 Q22.

A trio of million‑dollar sprints – the Doomben 10,000 (May 16), Kingsford Smith Cup (May 30) and the Stradbroke – headline the sprinting features, while the Queensland Derby (May 30), Doomben Cup (May 16) and Queensland Oaks (June 6) round out the Group 1 roster. The carnival concludes on July 4 at the Sunshine Coast, where the Caloundra Cup receives a significant uplift to $500,000.

 “The most recent Queensland Racing Carnival saw more than $21 million contributed directly to the state economy, and close to 29,000 visitor nights created,” Minister for Sport and Racing Tim Mander said.

“Not only is it one of Australia’s great racing carnivals, but our local champions continue to prove themselves among the nation’s best.”

Racing Queensland Acting CEO Lachlan Murray said the Winter Carnival remains a proven launching pad.

“Every year we see current and future stars excel here, and the last three Melbourne Cup winners all came through this carnival,” he said.