The iconic Birdsville Races have been postponed until 2022.
During last night’s committee meeting, the Birdsville Race Club made the decision to postpone next month’s meeting, which was scheduled to return after being abandoned last year.
However, with a number of states currently in lockdown - and strict border provisions to enter Queensland – the ‘Melbourne Cup of the outback’ will be rescheduled to April 10 and 11, 2022.
“We have tried our best, but the health landscape and COVID outbreaks with this new delta variant have changed significantly in the past two months,” BRC President David Brook said.
“Our risk assessment was just too great, and we have a duty of care to our staff, the Birdsville community, ticket holders and the broader population to ensure we are responsible and cognoscente of the significant health risk facing the country.
“Postponing the Birdsville Races really was the only decision we could make at this time.”
Situated almost 1600 kilometres west of Brisbane, Birdsville is one of Australia’s most remote towns which attracts close to 7000 fans each year, who make the annual pilgrimage to experience the magic of the event on the edge of the Simpson Desert.
Two full days of racing will be programmed for Sunday, April 10 and Monday, April 11.
Click here for further information on the Birdsville Races.