Stradbroke soars to $3 million in prize money

Queensland’s marquee Group 1, the time-honoured Stradbroke Handicap, will double in prize money next year to $3 million.

Following yesterday’s announcement that a further $31 million in prize money across the three codes will be delivered from February 1, the Group 1 blockbuster will once again headline the Queensland Racing Carnival.

The thoroughbred code is set to receive an additional $17 million in prize money next year, with this announcement ensuring that the Stradbroke maintains its standing as one of the nation’s most lucrative handicaps.

“The time-honoured Stradbroke Handicap remains Queensland’s most prestigious Group 1,” RQ Chairman Steve Wilson AM said.

“As one of the nation’s premier races, the iconic feature will increase from $1.5 million to $3 million, doubling in prize money and providing a fitting crescendo for our sprinting stars throughout Winter.

“This stakes increase will ensure the Stradbroke continues to attract the nation’s premier gallopers to the Sunshine State, and we look forward to seeing our local stars continuing to shine as we have seen through the likes of Alligator Blood and Tyzone in recent years.”

As part of today’s announcement, the Brisbane Racing Club has also unveiled The Star as their naming rights sponsor for both the Stradbroke and Stradbroke Season, while Ladbrokes have committed to a seven-year deal to become the BRC’s primary wagering partner at both Eagle Farm and Doomben.

Brisbane Racing Club Chief Executive Tony Partridge said the club was both privileged and excited to be partnering with The Star and Ladbrokes, while also welcoming the Government and Racing Queensland’s prizemoney reforms, which will see the Stradbroke double in prizemoney in 2023.

“The Stradbroke is Queensland’s signature race, our iconic race, a race attainable by all Queensland trainers to compete with the best from around Australia,” Partridge said.

“Every year there’s a great story out of the Stradbroke and the form always holds up, highlighted this year by the subsequent deeds of Alligator Blood and Private Eye.

“It’s only fitting that it should go to $3 Million when the industry is doing so well following the industry reform announcements.”

Partridge noted The Star had a long association with racing in Brisbane through the Treasury brand, which had sponsored feature races at Eagle Farm and Doomben for 20 years, including Winx’s 2015 Treasury Brisbane Queensland Oaks success.

“Star is building the transformational Queen’s Wharf Brisbane precinct, which will attract locals and indeed the eyes of the world. It is only fitting that a growing Stradbroke Season in Brisbane, the Olympic City, should partner with such an iconic tourism development,” Partridge said.

“It’s a strategic partnership with people we have partnered with for a long time and we look forward to many years of The Star being the major sponsor of the Stradbroke, our signature race.

“BRC is excited to partner with Entain, a global wagering powerhouse with racing at their core and a strong affinity with Queensland.

They have proven to be extremely innovative as they have showcased through their approach to content and product development. We look forward to working together in what will be a game changing new era for Brisbane racing.”

Hall of Fame jockey and Ladbrokes ambassador Glen Boss said the partnership was a game changer for racing in Brisbane.

“This will reinforce the Brisbane Racing Club’s position as one of the nation’s premier racing club’s with huge plans for the future,” he said.