The Birdsville Race Club has today announced that the 2023 Birdsville Races will receive an increase in prize money – upping the total prize pool to a record $300,000 for the iconic outback meet.
Staged in the spectacular Simpson Desert of Outback Queensland, the Birdsville Races have built a reputation as a truly bucket list adventure – with a rich history spanning 141 years.
The increase reflects a boost from Racing Queensland for the forthcoming racing season along with an additional prize money contribution directly from the Birdsville Race Club.
“Racing plays a vital role in regional communities right across Queensland, and it's great to see increased prize money for one of our iconic country meetings,” Racing Queensland CEO Jason Scott said.
“For many Australians, the Birdsville Races is a bucket list event that is not to be missed and this year will be no different.
“The meeting showcases everything that is great about country racing in the Sunshine State, and we look forward to seeing the crowds once again descend on Outback Queensland in September.”
Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the Birdsville Races is a must-do event on the It's Live! in Queensland events calendar.
“The Birdsville Races really is an event unlike any other, an unmissable Outback Queensland experience that attracts thousands of people who make the pilgrimage to the edge of the Simpson desert each year.
“All roads lead to Birdsville this September and what a road trip it is with visitors able to explore Queensland's amazing Outback on their way to ticking off a bucket list tourism experience.
“The legendary Birdsville Cup, which is one the richest races in regional Australia, brings enormous benefit to the region including a $4 million boost to the local economy.”
“We're thrilled that this year will see a record prize pool for the Birdsville Races. It's exciting that we can continue to grow the prize money year on year. We're grateful for the continued recognition and support by Racing Queensland and the Queensland Government of the vital role that the Birdsville Races play not only in country racing, but also via the considerable economic benefit of tourism spending in Outback Queensland communities,” Vice President of the Birdsville Race Club Gary Brook said.
The new $300,000 total prize money for the 2023 Birdsville Races is an increase of 15% on 2022, while the coveted Birdsville Cup is increasing nearly 20% from $42,000 in 2022 to a $50,000 in 2023.
The increases in the Birdsville Races prize pool are part of the distribution of increased funding for thoroughbred racing that was announced by Racing Queensland and Queensland State Government in December 2022.
“We draw a great calibre of jockey, including some Group level riders ticking off bucket list rides, and we're looking forward to seeing who will make the trip in September this year,” added Gary Brook.
The total prize pool for the Simpson Desert Racing Carnival, which includes the Birdsville Races as well as the Betoota and Bedourie Races, now sits at a record $452,000 – making it the richest two weeks of racing in Outback Queensland.
The Birdsville Race Club will also offer the following bonuses and rebates for trainers and jockeys across the two days of racing on September 1 & 2, 2023:
• $150 Trainers Travel Rebate per horse per start
• $300 per Jockey participating at Birdsville
• $1,000 Trainers Double Bonus (maximum 1 per Trainer) plus a further $1,000 if a Trainer wins both day feature races (Open Sprint & TAB Birdsville Cup)
• $1,000 to the winning Trainer based on most wins over the two day Carnival; $500 to the winning Jockey based on most wins over the two day Carnival. If there is a tie, it will then be decided on a countback (most seconds, then most thirds)