The initiative, which is being jointly funded by the Queensland Government through Events Queensland, and the BRC will see the race entry fees and travel expenses covered for select horses invited to compete in the Gr1 Treasury Casino Queensland Oaks (three-year-old fillies - 2400m) and Gr1 AAMI Stradbroke Handicap (1400m).

“Our vision was to create the ultimate showdown of Australasia’s racing champions here in Brisbane, setting a new benchmark in Australian racing which champions our local industry,” said BRC Chairman Kevin Dixon.

“We anticipate this initiative, along with the wonderful Brisbane Racing Carnival atmosphere and mild Queensland winter weather, will entice the connections of Australasia’s best sprinters and staying fillies to take on the best in their league in either the Treasury Casino Queensland Oaks or the AAMI Stradbroke,” Dixon said.

Horses become eligible for the invitational scheme if they win select sprint legs or Oaks races in Australasia in the lead up to the 2012 Brisbane Carnival.

“The greatest races always involve great horses. For example, under this initiative, world-class champion mare Black Caviar would have been invited to race in the 2011 AAMI Stradbroke field alongside Australasia’s other top champions such as King Mufhasa,” Dixon said.

“We look forward to these two races being the highlights of the Brisbane Racing Carnival in 2012.”

Queensland Racing Minister Tim Mulherin said: “This initiative is great news for both the local thoroughbred industry and will further enhance the profile of Brisbane racing.

“In 2011, more than 68,000 people attended the Brisbane Racing Carnival – which is great for the local economy, businesses and jobs.

“Hosting major events like the Brisbane Racing Carnival, including the Stradbroke Handicap and the Queensland Oaks is part of our plan to continue building Queensland’s bright future – and encourage visitors to escape from the southern winter chill and head to Queensland.”

Events Queensland CEO John O’Sullivan said the initiative would help further enhance Brisbane’s profile as an events destination.

“This initiative follows unprecedented growth in our major events calendar,” Mr O’Sullivan said. “In 2012, we will see a number of significant sporting, arts and cultural events for Brisbane including Matisse: Drawing Life, QPAC International Performance Series, Portrait of Spain: Masterpieces from the Prado, 34th International Geological Congress, World Theatre Festival, Mummy: Secrets of the Tomb and the Rugby Union Castrol Edge Welsh Tour.”

This initiative will see the winners of Australasian sprints including the Newmarket Handicap at Flemington on March 10, the T.J. Smith Stakes at Royal Randwick on April 14, The Goodwood at Morphettville on May 12 and the Telegraph Handicap at Trentham Racecourse, New Zealand on Saturday, January 21 invited to Brisbane.

The three-year-old staying fillies winners in the New Zealand Oaks (2400m) on March 17, the WA Oaks at Ascot on March 31, the ATC Oaks on April 21 and the Australasian Oaks (2000m) at Morphettville on May 12 will be invited to Brisbane.

Eligible horses so far include the Paul Mesarra trained Ortensia (2011 Winterbottom Stakes Winner) and the Robert Smerdon trained Mosheen (2011 VRC Oaks Winner).

“The Queensland Winter Racing Carnival has a long history of attracting Australasia’s leading thoroughbreds and this joint initiative can only further enhance the quality of horse competing in our Group 1 races.  Racing Queensland congratulates the Queensland Government for their continued support of the Queensland racing industry through the allocation of funds by Events Queensland for this initiative,” said Racing Queensland Limited Chairman, Bob Bentley.

Gai Waterhouse threw her support behind the initiative declaring it to be a great concept.

“It’s a great concept because you’re bringing together the best of the best. To think you’re going to bring together a number of Group 1 winners from the other handicaps around Australia and New Zealand only can make for better racing and a better quality field.”

Black Caviar Trainer Peter Moody said: “This is certainly a great way to end our racing year. It goes a long way to forming part of a championship of racing here in Australia where we can have fun in the sun in the middle of winter in Queensland!”

The Brisbane Racing Club Chairman was also ecstatic to announce a new partnership with Brisbane BMW & Westside BMW.

“Any trainer who has a placegetter (1^st – 4^th) in both the Doomben 10,000 and the Stradbroke Handicap will have a chance to select 1 of 50 keys which will unlock a new BMW 5 Series Sedan with a retail value of $95,139 drive away. Should no trainer achieve that feat, the winning trainer of the Stradbroke Handicap will be extended that opportunity.

“We feel this is yet a further opportunity to reward a trainer for their support of our Carnival in preparing their horses to run in our feature events,” said Mr Dixon.

The Brisbane Racing Carnival will take place at Doomben and Eagle Farm Racecourses between May 12 and June 9.

The $1 million AAMI Stradbroke will be run on Saturday, June 9 with the $400,000 Treasury Casino Queensland Oaks run the week earlier on Saturday, June 2. Both events are conducted at Eagle Farm Racecourse.

Carnival Hospitality Packages go on sale early February 2012.

The BRC Awards were founded to encourage and pay tribute to the trainers, jockeys, horses, trackwork riders and participants of the racing industry; in particular, those who rarely receive recognition in front of their peers.

Winners were picked based on their achievements throughout the 2010/ 11 season at either Eagle Farm or Doomben Racecourses.

Female jockey, Priscilla Schmidt, received the BRC Rising Star Award for her standout performance throughout the season. With her supermodel looks and string of successes, the budding 21-year-old jockey appears to have a very bright future in the racing industry.

Accolades for the Best Strike Rate were awarded to Kelso Wood (Trainer category), Damian Browne (Jockey category) and Mitchell Speers (Apprentice Jockey category).

Wood’s strike rate saw him train 19 winners from 116 starters, with 47% of his runners becoming placegetters. Browne rode 40 winners at a winning strike rate of one winner in every 4.3 rides whilst Speers rode ten winners at a strike rate of one winner in every 7.5 rides.

Sky Racing Cameraman, Joe Zoppi, received an Industry Contribution Award alongside track work riders Dave Keogh and Bruce Ohlbrecht both of whom have shown dedication and devotion to the development of budding riders and horses.

Brad Herne received the Industry Encouragement Award in recognition of his training efforts in his first full season of training with a team of 8 horses in work at Eagle Farm. Brad trained four metropolitan winners this year.

Flagship Horse of the Year was awarded to Buffering who flew the flag for Brisbane racing in QLD and interstate. Buffering ran third to champion mare Black Caviar in the Group 1 BTC Cup earlier this year.

Jockey Chris Munce received the most gongs of the evening winning the Brisbane Metropolitan Jockey Premiership as well being awarded the Ambassador Travel Jockey Medal.

Munce has had a highly successful season having ridden 79.5 winners as well as winning the 2010 Group 1 Caulfield Cup.

The 2011 Premier Trainer Award went to Robert Heathcote for the third year in a row. This season Heathcote trained 63 winners at Eagle Farm and Doomben. He also trained winners on five of the six Brisbane Racing Carnival race days and ran fourth in the $1 million Group 1 AAMI Stradbroke with Buffering.

Justin Wood was named 2011 Premier Apprentice Jockey after riding 20 winners, despite a number of injuries and setbacks.

The winners were announced in front of hundreds of guests including LNP Leader, Campbell Newman and Councillor David McLachlan.

Each winner received a trophy and embroidered RM Williams vest.

BRC Chief Executive Stephen Ferguson said “The Brisbane Racing Awards are our way of saying thank you to those who dedicate an extraordinary amount of time and effort to the sport.

“These Awards allow us to personally recognise those that work behind the scenes to make racing the tremendous sport that it is,” said Mr Ferguson.
-ENDS-

For all media enquiries please contact: Pru Reed - Marketing Manager (BRC) - 0451 124 159 or preed@brc.com.au

The BRC Awards were founded to encourage and pay tribute to the trainers, jockeys, horses, trackwork riders and participants of the racing industry; in particular, those who rarely receive recognition in front of their peers.

Winners were picked based on their achievements throughout the 2010/ 11 season at either Eagle Farm or Doomben Racecourses.

Female jockey, Priscilla Schmidt, received the BRC Rising Star Award for her standout performance throughout the season. With her supermodel looks and string of successes, the budding 21-year-old jockey appears to have a very bright future in the racing industry.

Accolades for the Best Strike Rate were awarded to Kelso Wood (Trainer category), Damian Browne (Jockey category) and Mitchell Speers (Apprentice Jockey category).

Wood’s strike rate saw him train 19 winners from 116 starters, with 47% of his runners becoming placegetters. Browne rode 40 winners at a winning strike rate of one winner in every 4.3 rides whilst Speers rode ten winners at a strike rate of one winner in every 7.5 rides.

Sky Racing Cameraman, Joe Zoppi, received an Industry Contribution Award alongside track work riders Dave Keogh and Bruce Ohlbrecht both of whom have shown dedication and devotion to the development of budding riders and horses. 

Brad Herne received the Industry Encouragement Award in recognition of his training efforts in his first full season of training with a team of 8 horses in work at Eagle Farm. Brad trained four metropolitan winners this year.

Flagship Horse of the Year was awarded to Buffering who flew the flag for Brisbane racing in QLD and interstate. Buffering ran third to champion mare Black Caviar in the Group 1 BTC Cup earlier this year.
Jockey Chris Munce received the most gongs of the evening winning the Brisbane Metropolitan Jockey Premiership as well being awarded the Ambassador Travel Jockey Medal. 

Munce has had a highly successful season having ridden 79.5 winners as well as winning the 2010 Group 1 Caulfield Cup.

The 2011 Premier Trainer Award went to Robert Heathcote for the third year in a row. This season Heathcote trained 63 winners at Eagle Farm and Doomben. He also trained winners on five of the six Brisbane Racing Carnival race days and ran fourth in the $1 million Group 1 AAMI Stradbroke with Buffering.

Justin Wood was named 2011 Premier Apprentice Jockey after riding 20 winners, despite a number of injuries and setbacks.

The winners were announced in front of hundreds of guests including LNP Leader, Campbell Newman and Councillor David McLachlan. 

Each winner received a trophy and embroidered RM Williams vest.

BRC Chief Executive Stephen Ferguson said “The Brisbane Racing Awards are our way of saying thank you to those who dedicate an extraordinary amount of time and effort to the sport.

“These Awards allow us to personally recognise those that work behind the scenes to make racing the tremendous sport that it is,” said Mr Ferguson.

The Channel Seven Brisbane Racing Carnival Cocktail party is the social culmination of Brisbane's pinnacle racing season where the industry and race-goers come together to celebrate the stories of the Carnival under the stars.

Trainers, owners, celebrities, jockeys, industry pundits and punters, their friends and families will all join together at this glittering "night-of-nights" to swap stories and share secrets on the eve of the grand finale of the Channel Seven Brisbane Racing Carnival – the AAMI Stradbroke.

The Channel Seven Brisbane Racing Carnival Cocktail party is one of the most highly anticipated events of the Racing Carnival as it offers race-goers the rare opportunity to meet and mingle with industry VIPs in a glamorous yet relaxed social setting.

Tickets are expected to sell fast to this unique event where race-fans rub-shoulders with industry icons while enjoying a night of tantalising canapés, flowing champagne, great live music and dancing beneath the stars

Celebrities taking part in this promotion include Channel Seven Presenters - Kay McGrath, Sharyn Ghidella, Sofie Formica, Angie Asimus, Kimberley Busteed and Liz Cantor.

The celebrity millinery line can be viewed at the Carnival Ladies' Day, Treasury Casino QLD Oaks on June 4.

The online auction will run between June 4 and June 10 at brc.com.au, with the highest winning bidders revealed on AAMI Stradbroke Day, June 11.

All proceeds raised from the auction will be donated to ACT for Kids, the Official Charity of the Channel Seven Brisbane Racing Carnival. ACT for Kids, formerly known as the Abused Child Trust, is an Australian charity which works to treat and prevent child abuse and neglect.

Brisbane Racing Club (BRC) Chief Operating Officer, Darren Condon said the initiative is a fantastic opportunity for the fashion-conscious to get behind a great cause.

"With the generous support of these celebrities the millinery auction will raise awareness about child abuse and raise funds for ACT for Kids to continue their work in the community.

"What's more, this is your opportunity to own a bespoke piece of millinery designed by some of the country's most recognizable celebrities," said Mr Condon.

This A-List event offers guests the opportunity to enjoy an insight into the lives of famous racing and fashion icons over a delicious two-course lunch.

Hosted by popular radio and TV presenter Victoria Carthew, and Carnival Ambassador & Seven Presenter Sofie Formica, the Ladies Lunch is the must-attend, off-track event of the carnival.

The venue for this year's lunch is The Strand at Rugby Quay, a stylish, sophisticated setting with spectacular views over the Brisbane River and Story Bridge.

Guests will delight in a two-course contemporary menu and beverages provided by Yellowglen, while enjoying an afternoon of entertainment including guest speakers, a fashion parade and one-of-a-kind millinery display.

The Brisbane Racing Carnival Ladies Lunch is a vibrant mix of fashion, food and fun, held on the eve of "Ladies Day", the Treasury Casino QLD Oaks.

The Treasury Casino QLD Oaks Day is the Channel Seven Brisbane Racing Carnival's most sophisticated race day.

Tickets to the Ladies’ Lunch are available online here!

Tens of thousands will flock to Eagle Farm to share in the excitement of Queensland's top day of racing culminating in the AAMI Stradbroke Handicap, Brisbane's richest and most celebrated race.

There are few sporting events that can match the heritage and history of AAMI Stradbroke Day which is the centrepiece of the Brisbane racing social calendar.

Race-goers will witness history as the country's best racehorses battle it out in Australia's premier sprint handicap race, with all eyes on the $1 million prize.

The AAMI Stradbroke Handicap is a race where horses have set weights based on performance. This results in a closely matched field where theoretically every horse has a chance of crossing the finish line first. This form of racing has always held a romantic place in the hearts of Australians with battlers having the opportunity to beat champions.

The AAMI Stradbroke Handicap is a favourite with both professional and amateur punters offering the biggest betting prize pool and best odds of any of the Brisbane Racing Carnival's races.

Run over a distance of 1400 metres, the AAMI Stradbroke Handicap has produced many heart-stopping moments and some of the nation's finest champions, many of which go on to become racing legends.

The pinnacle of the Queensland racing calendar brings the social and racing worlds together to enjoy an incredible day of entertainment both on and off the track.

Guests can choose from a huge variety of hospitality experiences on AAMI Stradbroke Day such as The Race Comes First Marquee. A premium hospitality experience guests of this marquee will indulge in a premium beverage selection and delicious lunch menu prepared by Philip Johnson of e'cco restaurant. Tickets are $350 and won't last long. Book online at brc.com.au or by phoning 3268 2171.

Other options include the B105 Lawn Party and the Fashion Marquee.

Australasia's finest jockeys, trainers and horses arrive hoping to leave their mark on Brisbane's greatest race while the social set enjoy the spectacle in the myriad of marquees that line the track.

Chefs will work around the clock preparing everything from traditional racing fare to Queensland's finest seafood, while crates of champagne and fine wines will be put on ice in preparation for an epic day of wining, dining and racing.

Event organisers have reviewed racecourse facilities in anticipation of record crowds and have installed new bars, more ATMs and other facilities to ensure everyone enjoys Queensland's favourite race day.

The new partnership between the Brisbane Racing Club and David Jones will culminate in a spectacular social event where guests can enjoy a unique trackside experience in the David Jones Stewards Lawn Marquee featuring Bollinger champagne, canapés created by Philip Johnson of e'cco Bistro fame while rubbing shoulders with the fashion elite such as Megan Gale, Samantha Harris, Emma Freedman and Heath Townsend.

The David Jones Fashions on the Field will see a hotly contested race off the track as entrants will vie for the title of Best Classic race-wear. The prize for the winner will include a trip to Sydney to attend the National 2011 Summer Fashion Launch plus a meet and greet with David Jones Brand Ambassador Megan Gale or Fashion Ambassador Miranda Kerr.

General admission tickets are just $31.50 through Ticketek

This popular race meet, a signature event of the Brisbane Racing Carnival known as Ladies' Day, is a vibrant fusion of style, fashion and racing.

The Treasury Casino QLD Oaks Day attracts a stylish and elegant racing crowd which makes for a glamorous day at Eagle Farm.

Females are the focus on the track with the Group 1 Treasury Casino Queensland Oaks (2400m) feature race attracting Australia's best three-year-old fillies.

Fashion is the focus off the track with the ladies-only Fashions on the Field celebrating race-goers signature style and millinery masterpieces.

2011 marks a new partnership between the Brisbane Racing Club and David Jones as the exclusive department store partner of the 2011 Channel Seven Brisbane Racing Carnival.

The ladies-only David Jones Fashions on the Field will see judges looking for race goers whose outfit demonstrates originality, interpretation of current fashion trends and racing fashion standards. One contestant will also be chosen by iconic Australian milliner, Peter Jago, as the recipient of a special millinery award.

Hospitality options for this elegant race day are many and varied including the Fashion Marquee where guests will enjoy cocktail style canapés and drinks, all within easy access of the Fashions on the Field Enclosure.

A first for the 2011 Channel Seven Brisbane Racing Carnival is the Celebrity Designed Millinery Auction where Australian celebrities including Channel Seven Presenters - Kay McGrath, Sharyn Ghidella, Sofie Formica, Angie Asimus, Kimberley Busteed and Liz Cantor - will submit their own signature millinery designs to be auctioned for charity.

The celebrity millinery line can be viewed at Ladies' Day and the online auction will run between June 4 and June 10 at brc.com.au, with the highest winning bidders revealed on AAMI Stradbroke Day, June 11.

Ladies will also appreciate the complimentary Bobbi Brown Powder Room where make-up touch-ups are available free of charge to keep everyone looking elegant at this iconic Brisbane Racing Carnival event.

Tickets are just $29 through Ticketek.

But a once-in-a-lifetime experience will define the 2011 Carnival when the world’s best thoroughbred, Australian superhorse Black Caviar arrives in Brisbane to contest the BTC Cup, the first major race of the Carnival.

RACEFEST guests will have a chance to witness something truly extraordinary when Black Caviar thunders down the straight, aiming to deliver her 13^th straight win at Brisbane’s picturesque Doomben racecourse.

Nicknamed the “Queen of the Track in the Sport of Kings”, this once-in-a-generation horse will have the entire crowd spellbound as she cements her name in the history books.

Black Caviar has captured the imagination of the nation with her fighting spirit, supermodel looks and a racing style that has been described by industry stalwarts as “poetry in motion”.

Black Caviar may even inspire the entrants in the Metropolitan South Institute of TAFE Fashions on the Field with Brisbane's Fashion Design and Stylist students competing for an array of fantastic prizes including Hardy Bros Jewellery, Gift Cards and Napoleon Perdis cosmetics.

The Brisbane Racing Club is preparing for this once-in-a lifetime event by offering exceptional hospitality inspired by the legendary horse including a strictly limited exclusive Champagne and Caviar event.

The off track entertainment promises to be just as exciting with one of Australia’s favourite festival and club DJs – the BangGang Deejays, performing for crowds after the racing has finished.

RACEFEST promises to be a day that fans talk about for years and sets an exciting benchmark as the launch day for the 2011 Channel Seven Brisbane Racing Carnival.

General Admission tickets are just $29 through Ticketek and kids under 18 can enter for free.

Boasting the premiere distance event of the Brisbane Racing Carnival, the Group 1 Kirks Doomben Cup, a Weight for Age race run over the staying distance of 2020 meters, is renowned for delivering those spine-tingling moments that gets the crowd on their feet and creates Brisbane Racing Carnival legends. The race has been won by great champions such as Rough Habit, Might and Power and Scenic Shot.

The off-track entertainment promises to be just as exciting with a host of activities planned for the whole family including the hugely popular Cartoon Network's Ben10 live stage show featuring Ben Tennyson, his cousin Gwen and Ben's alien hero Four Arms followed by a special Meet & Greet session after the show for their fans.

There will also be free family rides including the Sizzler, Spinning Tea Cups, a jumping castle and the Bounce Club Disco.

It's not just the horses who will battle it out on the race track. The Triple M Mascot Race will also be run featuring some of Queensland's most famous mascots who will line up for the 100 metre dash for cash trying to win $5,000 for their nominated charity.

The Fashions on the Field will also have a family focus looking for Brisbane's most fashionable family with some great prizes including Hardy Bros Jewellery and a Tangalooma Island Resort accommodation package.

New to the Carnival in 2011 is the Doomben Cup Family Zone where families can also enjoy the convenience and comfort of their very own reserved shaded area. Tickets include entry in to the track, reserved seats for Mum and Dad, delicious lunch for all ages and with close proximity to the Ben 10 stage, kids rides as well as the home straight, the Doomben Cup Family Zone is a great option for any sized family to enjoy great hospitality and not miss any of the Carnival excitement.

Priced at $50 per adult (kids are free) families will enjoy racecourse admission, reserved seating in a shaded area and lunch including a selection of burgers, homemade sausage rolls, mini gourmet pies and ice creams.

Kirks Doomben Cup Day is the second feature event of the Channel Seven Brisbane Racing Carnival which runs through until June 11.

Kids entry is free to this event.

Tickets to the Kirks Doomben Cup Day are just $29 through Ticketek and kids under 18 can enter for free. For further details or to book your own reserved area click here.