Queenslanders will be looking to ‘Chase the Flame’ once again in 2022 as a part of Racing Queensland’s qualifying race for the $1.65 million The Phoenix.
Following its success in 2021, the unique ownership and community partnership initiative will see competition entrants have the chance to be an ‘owner for a day’ representing each of the eight greyhounds in the Queensland Flame.
The winning owner will then have the opportunity to travel to Melbourne to attend The Phoenix Final, with up to $25,000 on offer if the Queensland slot holder is successful in the race.
Similarly, eight community partners will also be selected for the Final of the Flame, with another $25,000 on offer if Queensland’s greyhound triumphs in Melbourne.
For the first time this year, race night attendees at the Queensland Flame meeting will also be invited to enter into a draw to win a trip for two to Melbourne for The Phoenix Final.
The winner will be entitled to the Chase the Flame promotional prize money equivalent to that of the owner and community partners.
With animal care, and ensuring greyhounds are well supported during and after their racing careers, this year’s promotion will also see a donation made to the Greyhound Adoption Program, consistent with the partner prize money schedule.
“The expansion of the Chase the Flame initiative forms a crucial part of this year’s Queensland Flame,” RQ EGM Operations Adam Wallish said.
“These significant community partnerships are devised to introduce newcomers to the sport, aiming to grow future participation and involvement.
“Last year’s The Phoenix showed that Queensland chasers can mix it with the very best across the nation, and we look forward to seeing a repeat of Spotted Elk’s heroics in 2022.”
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 million-dollar The Phoenix.
As a result, both ownership and community partner representatives each pocketed $10,000.
The Queensland 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.
Click here for more information and to enter the Chase the Flame.