Battle of the Bush Series returns in 2022

The Battle of the Bush, Queensland’s showpiece country racing series, is set to return in 2022 with all roads leading to the Tattersall’s Tiara Raceday at Eagle Farm on June 25.

Commencing at the Burrandowan Picnic Race Club on May 7, the series will feature 16 qualifiers (two per country region) across the state, with the final heats to be staged at Barcaldine Race Club and Gayndah Jockey Club on June 11.

Once again, the Battle of the Bush will reach a stunning conclusion at Eagle Farm, with the $200,000 Final run in conjunction with the TAB Queensland Racing Carnival.

As an added incentive, a $30,000 bonus will once again be paid to the winner if it is a QTIS-registered horse.

In a first for the series, the Innisfail Turf Club will also host a qualifier after their initial debut was abandoned due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Racing Minister Grace Grace said the series was a showpiece event for country racing and its participants, with its return highly anticipated.

“The Battle of the Bush has solidified itself as a flagship country series on the Queensland racing calendar,” Minister Grace said.

“It continues to energise our country and regional participants, and provides them with a unique opportunity to be able to compete on a metropolitan Group 1 raceday as a part of the TAB Queensland Racing Carnival.

“With the Battle of the Bush Final now worth an incredible $200,000, we hope to see the series continue to grow and encourage further participation from across the state.”

Following its highly successful inception as a part of the 2021 Country Cups Series, the Fashions From Afar competition will sit alongside the Battle of the Bush this year, celebrating the age-old tradition of trackside style.

Fashions From Afar will run in conjunction with each qualifier around the state, with $500 on offer for both male and female winners at each meeting, who will then compete for a $5,000 grand prize ($2,500 per category) on Tattersall's Tiara Day.

RQ CEO Brendan Parnell said that he is excited to see the Fashions From Afar initiative be a part of the Battle of the Bush Series this year.

“First run last year as a part of our Country Cups Series in the summer, Fashions From Afar has already become an important part of our celebration for regional participants,” Mr Parnell said.

“Last year, we saw competitors from every corner of the state descend on Doomben for the Fashions From Afar finale, and I look forward to welcoming our finalists to Eagle Farm in 2022.”

Click here for more information on the Battles of the Bush Series.