Queensland will once again be represented in this year’s $1.65 million The Phoenix.
Earlier this week, Racing Queensland was announced as one of eight slot holders for the fourth running of the world’s richest greyhound race at The Meadows on December 21.
As a result, the Queensland Flame will return to determine the Sunshine State’s representative in The Phoenix, with RQ and the Queensland Greyhound Racing Club to again host an invitation-only Best 8 on December 5 to decide the state’s runner.
The race will once again be run for $90,000 – including $60,000 to the winner.
The Flame will remain positioned two weeks out from The Phoenix to ensure the champion Queensland greyhound is able to travel to Victoria and trial prior to the feature, allowing for track familiarisation and additional publicity opportunities.
Off the track, an ownership partnership will remain a key part of our journey towards The Phoenix, aiming to grow future participation and involvement in the sport.
“The Phoenix continues to serve as an incredible promotional tool for Australian greyhound racing,” RQ CEO Jason Scott said.
“Over the past three years, the million-dollar feature has transcended participants and punters, garnering widespread interest from the community and mainstream media alike.
“We are excited to see the Queensland Flame provide a pathway for a Queensland representative to shine on the national stage, following in the footsteps of previous champions like Jay Is Jay who won his way through via the same race in 2023.
“We look forward to building on our strong contribution to The Phoenix, with a number of exciting enhancements to our qualifying race and supporting initiatives adding further excitement to this year’s event.”
The final field for The Phoenix will be confirmed on Sunday, December 15 with the box draw held on the same evening.
The eight slot holders selected are:
- Aaron Bain Racing & Summit Bloodstock;
- Australian Bloodstock;
- Awesome Lodge;
- Ladbrokes Racing Club;
- Melbourne Storm;
- Racing Queensland;
- Sportsbet; and
- Total Container Solutions.
More details regarding the Queensland Flame and its supporting initiatives will be released in the coming weeks.