Country racing is part of Queensland’s identity

For many regional towns, the annual race day is the number one social event every year. It provides a platform for people to come together, celebrate tradition and connect.

Deeply rooted in Queensland’s history, country racing reflects the resilience and vibrancy of rural communities, making its preservation vital to the state’s cultural heritage.

Beyond its cultural and social significance, country racing is a key driver of regional economies. Race days create local jobs, boost income for businesses, and attract visitors who contribute to sectors including accommodation, food and tourism.

As the backbone of Queensland’s racing industry, country racing also serves as a pathway for emerging talent, from trainers and jockeys to breeders and volunteers, ensuring grassroots participation and the long-term sustainability of the industry.

Safeguarding the ongoing viability and success of country racing is a key focus for the Queensland Government.

In addition to investing $200 million into a Racing Future Fund, Racing Queensland (RQ), on behalf of the Queensland Government, will ensure that country racing thrives through several initiatives.

With 120 licensed race clubs in our state, Queensland’s geographic scale and highly variable club activity necessitates more efficient coordination.

RQ will take the lead to ensure country racing is celebrated and a key focus for Queensland’s tourism offering.

Trial a ‘Hub and Spoke’ model for regional clubs

A ‘Hub and Spoke’ model consolidates administrative effort, strengthens governance, and enables targeted investment. By developing a framework based on measurable performance standards to accredit larger clubs as ‘Hubs’, RQ can ensure funding is matched to organisational maturity and that Hubs are appropriately rewarded for their effort to support the smaller clubs (Spokes) with which they are associated. The model reduces the reporting burden on smaller clubs while strengthening their strategic voice through partnered Hubs.

Boost country racing features

The Battle of the Bush is a winner, and its expansion will see it reach its full potential. Currently, the Battle of the Bush format sees 16 heats, culminating in a single $200,000 final.

The format is proposed to be increased to 70 heats across 35 weekends with the potential for prizemoney increases. RQ will also develop a strategy to prioritise Country Cups and Town Plates as significant events to provide genuine uplift for regional and country clubs. For the greyhound and harness codes, new series’ will be programmed to be held at upgraded regional tracks.

Develop an annual feature race calendar

The calendar will include links to local tourism information, accommodation and regional highlights for each featured meeting. It will then expand to Metropolitan and Provincial clubs, providing consistent state-wide visibility of all feature race meetings. It means patrons can plan holidays, owners can better coordinate with trainers, and clubs gain clarity to organise feature events.

Recalibrate country meetings

Racing Queensland will work with clubs to reduce 1-2 race meetings per year on a voluntary basis. Prizemoney would be redirected to enhance clubs’ feature race days through increased stakes and marketing investments. Reallocating funds to create enhanced feature race days can deliver greater impact and value for regional clubs and their communities.

Encourage participation to ensure sustainability

A jockey retirement fund will be established, encouraging riders to compete at non-TAB meetings. Queensland non-TAB race fields can often be affected by multiple scratchings due to the unavailability of jockeys at race meetings. Racing Queensland will also liaise with local breeders and owners to introduce a Queensland Thoroughbred Incentive Scheme (QTIS) Life program, aimed at extending the careers of Queensland-bred horses racing in the country.