Sports commentator Grace Hayden has today been announced as an ambassador for the 2025 Birdsville Races, set to return to the iconic event in the first weekend in September.
Queensland-born Hayden lit up the Simpson Desert last year with her blend of fashion flair, racing knowledge and passion for the sport.
“Grace was a fantastic ambassador last year, and we’re looking forward to welcoming her back again this year,” said Gary Brook, Vice President of the Birdsville Race Club.
“She bought a mix of glamour, fun and racing knowledge to the event and was a pleasure to host on her first trip to Birdsville. She’s a proud Queenslander and loved experiencing Outback Queensland and one of the world’s most remote horse racing events. Her profile as a rising star of Australia’s commentators has only grown since then – and we hope that helps put the spotlight on our races with sports and racing fans alike.”
The daughter of Aussie cricket legend Matthew Hayden, Grace has forged a name in her own right with an impressive global commentating resume that includes fronting Star Sports for their IPL coverage, appearing as a fashion expert for Seven Racing, reporting from Canada’s GT20 cricket tournament, joining Racing X and most recently launching her own podcast Game On With Grace – set to debut on US streaming platform Willow TV.
“I am loving my roles in the horse racing industry, and I’m so excited to be heading back out to Birdsville,” Hayden said.
“The Birdsville Races are so unique and unlike any other race day I attend or cover. It’s iconic! Seeing those thoroughbred horses kick up the dust as they thunder to the finish line on a dusty dirt track is spectacular. And it’s just such a fun vibe.”
Now in its 143rd year, the legendary two-day Birdsville Races carnival is shaping up to be the biggest since COVID, with organisers anticipating big crowds as well as announcing a record $330,000 prize pool – including a 20 per cent boost for the TAB Birdsville Cup, up from $50,000 to $60,000, and a new Big Red feature race with a $40,000 prize pool on Day 1 of racing.
This year will also see boosted trainer and jockey travel rebates introduced and a $5,000 bonus for any trainer who completes the prized Big Red – TAB Birdsville Cup double.
The full race programs and bonus eligibility criteria are now live via Racing Queensland:
- Day 1 – Friday September 5: Racing QLD Calendar – Sept 5
- Day 2 – Saturday September 6: Racing QLD Calendar – Sept 6
General admission tickets to the 2025 Birdsville Races are on sale via www.birdsvilleraces.com with tickets to the OBE Organic Pavilion and RFDS Gala Dinner already sold out.
