Racing industry on show at the Ekka

The racing industry will be front and centre at the Brisbane Showgrounds from this weekend, with Racing Queensland continuing its long-term association with the Ekka.

Over the past two decades, RQ has partnered with the RNA, showcasing the industry’s contribution to the Sunshine State as part of the Royal Queensland Show.

Following a successful debut in 2023, the Queensland Off-The-Track (QOTT) Program Showjumping Showcase returns bigger and better to headline this year’s show.

One of the nation’s most lucrative showjumping events, it will be held on Sunday, August 11 and Monday, August 12, as part of the Ekka’s showjumping competition schedule.

This year, $50,000 in prize money will be up for grabs in the increased 1.20m class, while the new 1.05m class will see an additional $25,000 available, with both categories paying down to last place.

The event will be exclusively held for retired racehorses, with over 35 horse and rider combinations to take to the Main Arena.

Last year, Emily Patterson made history as the winner of the inaugural QOTT Program Showjumping Showcase, taking out the top prize on the back of retired racehorse Liberty Shopper (competing as Libertarian).

The prestigious Thoroughbred and Standardbred Day will also be held on Monday, August 12, featuring over $25,000 in prizes across 18 classes, showcasing the versatility of both breeds.

The raceday-style event will see the two breeds compete for the sought-after Champion of their Breed, with horse handlers presenting their animals to the judges in formal race day attire.

For the canine code, the Greyhound Sweepstakes on Saturday, August 10 will give the public the chance to interact with the Greyhound Adoption Program's dogs on show and check out the judging.

The Greyhound Sweepstakes will feature over 60 greyhounds from various stages of their careers, with public interaction and a hotly contested canine competition to determine the best of breed.

Esteemed trainers Jedda Cutlack, Jemma Daley, and Adam McIntosh will be presenting their greyhounds and offering insights into the industry.

Additionally, representatives from QRIC’s Greyhound Adoption Program will be available to discuss adoption opportunities.

Finally, QOTT has once again renewed its partnership with ‘Horsing Around,’ where acclaimed horse trainer Dave Manchon is joined by retired racehorses to share his methods and how they can be applied when working with off-the-track horses.

This year, there will be twice as many Horsing Around shows on the Ekka schedule, with four 20-minute shows per day, with an opportunity for the public to also get up close and personal with the horses who are also the stars of the EkkaNites Show.

Click here for more information on RQ's presence at the Ekka.