Queensland is set to once again be represented in this year’s $1.65 million The Phoenix.
Earlier today, Racing Queensland was announced as one of eight slot holders for the third running of the world’s richest greyhound race at The Meadows on December 16.
As a result, the Queensland Flame will again be staged to determine the Sunshine State’s representative in The Phoenix.
The Flame will take different shape in 2023, with RQ and the Brisbane Greyhound Racing Club set to host an invitation-only Best 8 on November 30 to decide the state’s runner.
The return of the Flame will also see a further prize money increase, set to be run for $90,000 in 2023 – up $30,000 – including $60,000 to the winner.
The Flame will remain positioned to ensure the champion Queensland greyhound is able to travel to Victoria and trial prior to The Phoenix, allowing for track familiarisation and additional publicity opportunities.
Off the track, an ownership partnership will remain a key part of our journey towards The Phoenix, aiming to grow future participation and involvement in the sport.
In addition, the Queensland Greyhound Adoption Program will also share in outcomes related to The Phoenix.
“Entering its third year, The Phoenix has been a game changer for Australian greyhound racing, and we are proud to have once again secured our involvement in this flagship event,” RQ Executive General Manager Operations Adam Wallish said.
“The Queensland Flame will once again provide a pathway for a Queensland representative to shine on the national stage, and moving to an invitation-only Best 8 will give us the best chance to fight out the finish at The Meadows.
“We look forward to building on our strong contribution to The Phoenix, with a number of exciting enhancements to our qualifying race and supporting initiatives set to add further excitement to this year’s event.”
The final field for The Phoenix will be confirmed on Sunday, December 10 with the box draw held on the same evening.
The eight slot holders selected are:
- Good Blokes Society;
- Greyhounds HQ;
- Ladbrokes Racing Club;
- Racing and Sport 927AM (RSN);
- Racing Queensland;
- Sportsbet;
- Tabcorp; and
- Total Container Solutions.
More details regarding the Queensland Flame and its supporting initiatives will be released in the coming weeks.