Queensland is poised to again be represented in this year’s running of the $1.65 million The Phoenix.
Earlier today, Racing Queensland was announced as one of eight slot holders for the second iteration of the million-dollar Victorian greyhound feature, staged at The Meadows on December 17.
Following this afternoon’s announcement, RQ has confirmed the Queensland Flame will return in 2022 to determine the Sunshine State’s representative in The Phoenix.
The Flame (520m) – restricted to the best 16 Queensland-trained chasers – will be run on the first major night of the 2022/23 Golden Greys Summer Racing Carnival at Albion Park on December 1.
The return of the Flame will also see a significant prize money increase, set to be run for Group 2 prize money of $60,000 in 2022, up from $37,500, including $40,000 to the winner.
Additionally, the Flame will again include a unique ownership and community partnership element, where competition entrants will have the chance to be an ‘owner for a day’ representing each of the eight greyhounds in the Final.
“We’re delighted to have again secured a slot for The Phoenix in 2022 and with it, confirm the return of the Queensland Flame,” RQ EGM Operations Adam Wallish said.
“The inaugural presentation of the Queensland Flame was an astounding success, taken out by eventual Queensland Greyhound of the Year, Spotted Elk, before going on to run a brave second place in The Phoenix.
“In 2022, we will be building on our strong contribution made to the race’s inaugural running, with a number of exciting enhancements to our qualifying race and supporting initiatives.”
The final field for The Phoenix will be confirmed on Sunday, December 11 with the box draw held on the same evening.
The eight slot holders selected are:
- The Keeping-Zipping syndicate;
- Neds;
- The People of Peter Sadler Removals and Logistics;
- Racing and Sport 927am (RSN);
- Racing Queensland;
- Sports Entertainment Network (SEN);
- Sportsbet; and
- Tabcorp.
More details regarding the Queensland Flame and its supporting initiatives will be released in the coming weeks.