Queensland to drop 14 thoroughbred meetings as it looks to boost field size

Racing Queensland has confirmed that it will reduce the number of throughbred meetings it stages in 2026/27 by 14, as it moves to address programming clashes and revive average field sizes.

The full schedule of race meetings has been published for the upcoming season, with 668 thoroughbred meetings as well as 302 harness meetings and 726 greyhound meetings across 110 different venues.

There sill be 363 days of racing, with the only gaps coming on Christmas Day and Good Friday.

The main change to the thoroughbred schedule will be a reduction in the third TAB meeting (Sky 2) on Saturdays, with changes made to optimise commercial returns via wagering.

There will be an increase in twilight and night racing as Queensland looks to capitalise on lighting infrastructure and to maximise the key evening wagering window.

There will be an increased number of non-TAB meetings converted to TAB status, possibly up to 30, with retention of the same prize money levels.

According to RQ, this has been done to secure broadcast and commercial returns for industry.

Overall, the meeting count will reduce by 14, with an aim to increasing the average field size, which stood at 9.05 in 2024/25.  

The calendar features carnivals including the Queensland Racing Carnival, the Queensland Summer Racing Carnival, including the Magic Millions and the Queensland Northern Racing Carnival with $1 million in bonuses on offer through the Great Northern Crowns.

The number of greyhound race meetings with remain the same, with changes for the Brisbane Cup to Saturday night, while the Rockhampton Cup moves to Friday night.

There will be 10 fewer harness meetings, mostly focussed on the January to March period.