New sprint feature, record stakes and infrastructure upgrades for Birdsville Races
In a major win for country racing, the 2025 Birdsville Races will boast a record prize pool of $330,000 for the 143 iteration of the event, after the Birdsville Race Club and Racing Queensland confirmed a 10 per cent overall increase in prizemoney for Australia’s most iconic outback meet.
Sitting high on the national racing bucket list, the remote Simpson Desert meet is preparing to raise the stakes for its September carnival with a 20 per cent increase of prize money for the prestigious TAB Birdsville Cup up from $50,000 to $60,000.
Also new to the program is the Big Red – a $40,000 open quality sprint over 1000m named after the spectacular 40m high red sand dune that sits just 35 km from Birdsville. The Big Red sand dune is a much-loved destination for race goers to dune surf, enjoy a cold beer at sunset and to take in the wide expanse of the Simpson Desert.
The new Big Red feature will strengthen the depth of the opening day of the carnival by almost doubling the race prizemoney on Day One, providing an even greater incentive to trainers who make the pilgrimage to Birdsville for the first weekend in September.
Racing Queensland Acting CEO Lachlan Murray said he is looking forward to heading west to attend this year’s event.
“The Birdsville Races is an iconic event on the Sunshine State calendar and a bucket list item for racing lovers across Australia,” Mr Murray said.
“We are proud to continue our support of the Birdsville races, a meeting that epitomises everything that is so special about country racing in Queensland.”
In addition to stakes increases, the Birdsville Race Club will offer enhanced travel rebates and jockey/trainer bonuses, including a $5,000 bonus for any trainer that can complete the coveted Big Red – TAB Birdsville Cup double.
“We know how tough it is right now for trainers and owners to travel horses across the country, especially with rising costs,” said Birdsville Race Club Vice President Gary Brook. “To be in a position where we can grow our prizemoney and offer meaningful support to those who support us is something we’re really proud of. Along with the changed conditions of the track we’re hoping the prize money increases will be a shot in the arm for attracting a high calibre field, similar to what has been seen in the Battle of the Bush heats and finals.
“With the support of Racing Queensland, TAB and our partners, we’re ensuring Birdsville stays not just a great spectacle, but a financially worthwhile mission for those who make the effort to race here. The increase in rebates for trainers and the prize pool recognises the vital role that the Birdsville Races play in country racing, as well the economic benefit of tourism spending they bring to Outback Queensland communities.”
The prizemoney uplift comes alongside a major infrastructure upgrade at the desert track. Through Racing Queensland’s Country Club Asset Funding, the Birdsville course will see two new steward towers installed and 1300 metres of outside running rail laid.
“The improved outer rail is an important step forward for us. Safety of horse and rider is paramount and this shows our commitment to continuously lifting the standard of this event,” Brook added.
The township is already cleaning and restoring the racecourse facilities after recent flooding from the Diamantina River in the region.
“Come September, the track will be in top shape,” Brook said. “Apart from a few faint watermarks, you won’t even know how the course and some of our facilities started the year. The roads are already open and the countryside is looking beautiful.”
The full race program along with rebate and bonus information is available here:
Day 1 – Friday September 5th: https://www.racingqueensland.com.au/racing/full-calendar/thoroughbred/meeting/bird/20250905
Day 2 – Saturday September 6th: https://www.racingqueensland.com.au/racing/full-calendar/thoroughbred/meeting/bird/20250906
Tickets for the 2025 Birdsville Races are on sale now. Don’t miss your chance to be trackside – buy now.
