All roads lead to Doomben as the Country Cups Challenge and Country Stampede commence next week.
Now in its eighth year, the Country Cups Challenge will commence with three heats across Longreach, Mount Isa and Atherton on Saturday, September 27.
A further 13 heats will take place across regional Queensland over the following two months.
The series will culminate with a $200,000 Final as a part of the Queensland Summer Racing Carnival, on Saturday, December 6 at Doomben – which also features the Group 3 George Moore Stakes.
At the same time, heats for the Country Stampede will also be held across regional Queensland, starting at Ewan Amateur Turf Club on Friday, September 26.
Country trainers and horses will battle it out across 16 heats before the $105,000 Country Stampede Final at Doomben on December 6.
Racing Minister Tim Mander said the Country Cups Challenge and Country Stampede were both outstanding initiatives for the very best horses in country racing to battle it out on a metropolitan raceday.
“Country racing is the lifeblood of so many regional communities across the state, bringing participants together from all corners of Queensland,” Minister Mander said.
“More than half of the industry’s $2.5 billion in economic contribution directly benefits the regions.
“The Country Cups Challenge and Country Stampede gives our country racing participants a unique opportunity to compete for feature level prize money as part of the exciting Queensland Summer Racing Carnival.
“I want to wish good luck to all trainers, jockeys and horses over what should be an exciting few months of country racing ahead of what should be a breathtaking finale at Doomben in December.”
Member for Gregory Sean Dillon said the Queensland Country Cups Challenge and the Queensland Country Stampede would put country trainers, jockeys and horses in the spotlight.
“In my electorate, the Queensland Country Cups Challenge will include heats to be held in Longreach, Emerald and Blackall, while Blackall and Barcaldine will host heats in the Queensland Country Stampede,” Mr Dillon said.
“This is an opportunity for locals and visitors to our region to see country racing at its best.
“These country trainers, jockeys and horses will then have the unique experience of racing for honours during the finals at Doomben.
“I wish all the best of luck and I look forward to seeing some great racing action.”
Trainer Pat Webster and jockey Bubba Tilley combined to take home the Country Cups Challenge in 2024 with Skyforger.
In last year’s Country Stampede Final, it was Lily Allez who took the crown for trainer Raymond Williams and jockey Nikki Olzard.
Australian betting sites have not launched any futures markets on either feature race, with odds expected to be released by the middle of next week.
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