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 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

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.

The AAMI Breakfast with the Stars is a free event on Tuesday 7 June where guests are invited to get up close and personal with some of Australia's top racehorses over a free breakfast.

Eagle Farm Racecourse will open their gates at 6.00am allowing patrons to watch some of Australasia's biggest turf stars at one of their final training sessions before the Brisbane's Racing Carnival Grand Finale on Saturday 11 June, the Group 1 AAMI Stradbroke Handicap.

Guests will enjoy both a unique "behind-the-scenes" racing experience and a free hot breakfast at Brisbane's iconic race track. This remarkable event offers the public a rare chance to watch some of racing's most magnificent thoroughbreds go through their training regimes as they make their final preparations before the major race on Saturday that carries $1 million dollars in prize money. This opportunity offers punters a chance to gain unique insight in to each horse and their trainers.

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

This amazing Brisbane Racing Carnival event is suitable for all age groups and is popular with everyone from race-fans to families.

You may need to set the alarm clock but race-goers and horse-lovers alike won't want to miss this iconic event of the Channel Seven Brisbane Racing Carnival.

The AAMI Breakfast with the Stars is an official event of the Channel Seven Brisbane Racing Carnival.

The world's best racehorse, Black Caviar, is set to compete at this year's Carnival and there is much talk about her coming to town. For the people of Brisbane, this may be their only opportunity to witness the once in a generation horse that in some circles is likened to Phar Lap. Nothing could beat seeing saying "I was there" when Black Caviar won 13/ 13.

They say the best match for Caviar is Champagne and the Brisbane Racing Club (BRC), together with Bollinger, is preparing to sell plenty of it if Black Caviar can achieve her 13th straight win.

But this year's Carnival will serve up much more than Caviar and Champagne with organisers planning a heady cocktail of stunning fashion, glamorous celebrities and fantastic entertainment.

The BRC has a number of hospitality and ticketing options to suit every taste, style and budget. A full range of what's on offer can be viewed online at brc.com.au.

The Channel Seven Brisbane Racing Carnival will start on May 14, culminating with the AAMI Stradbroke on June 11.

Racefest (May 14 at Doomben) will be the first party of the racing season and will feature perpetual party rockers Bang Gang Deejays. On the track, the racing will be epic as Black Caviar takes on her 13th straight win in the Group 1 Bundaberg Distilling Co. BTC Cup.

The following week (May 21 at Doomben) is the Kirks Doomben Cup Family Day. You can't beat this racing event for great family fun and adventure. Featuring the hugely popular Cartoon Network's Ben10 show live on stage and free rides, this event really has something the whole family can enjoy. Kids entry is free to this event.

The Carlton Mid Doomben 10,000 (May 28 at Doomben) is amongst the very best races in the country. This year, top Australian sprinter and local hero, Apache Cat, will make a return to the track. Crowds can get up close and personal to the retired champion who won back to back Doomben 10,000s.

Ladies' Day (June 4 at Eagle Farm) is a vibrant celebration of fashion and glamour. Have a flutter on the Group 1 Treasury Casino QLD Oaks or enjoy the off field entertainment including the David Jones Fashions on the Field and Celebrity Designed Millinery parade.

The Channel Seven Brisbane Racing Carnival reaches a high on AAMI Stradbroke Day (June 11 at Eagle Farm). The quintessential racing event features the $1 million Group 1 AAMI Stradbroke Handicap, the Group 1 Channel Seven QLD Derby and the Group 1 Patinack Farm T.J. Smith. This year David Jones Ambassador Megan Gale will join the hordes of people trackside as the crowd supports one racehorse to sprint their hardest for Stradbroke glory.

Cooper will be the star of the action off the track as the stylish set are enticed to party alongside the celebrated fashion designer.

For $68, glamorous girls will not only enjoy rubbing shoulders with Wayne but also a gourmet lunch and a complimentary drink. They can also access other highlights including a Pamper Tent for quick makeup fixes and touch ups, a Cocktail Bar, Photo Booth, live music supplied by DJ Andy Murphy and the chance to win lucky door prizes.

One of Australia's hottest and most enduring design talents, Wayne Cooper launched his first fashion label in 1991 and his more exclusive, self-titled label in 1996. In 2002 he rebranded his first label, relaunching it as a diffusion line named as Wayne by Wayne Cooper. With two enormously successful labels, Wayne Cooper now enjoys being in the upper echelons of the Australian fashion industry.

With one of the country's famous fashion designers in their midst, Brisbane ladies planning to attend Girls' Day Out have the perfect excuse to go shopping. The fantastic prize pool up for grabs in the Fashions on the Field competition also provides good reason to select the perfect raceday outfit.

Brisbane Racing Club (BRC) Chief Operating Officer, Darren Condon said this year's Girls' Day Out is one of the must-attend events on the BRC calendar.

"We are very lucky to have Wayne Cooper as part of this year's Girls' Day Out and I know the socially active ladies of Brisbane won't want to miss this unique opportunity to party alongside a celebrity fashion designer.

"Brisbane ladies are always well dressed when they attend the races but I get the sense Wayne Cooper's appearance at is going to raise the bar when it comes to fashion trackside.

"Girls' Day Out is just one of a number of feature events on the BRCs racing calendar. The objective of these feature events is to provide new reasons for people to enjoy the sport of racing at our venues," said Mr Condon.

Tickets to Girls' Day Out are $68 through Ticketek. For more information visit http://www.brc.com.au.

The Brisbane Racing Club thanks all guests for their generosity on the evening.

This exciting partnership will include naming rights to the newly named David Jones Fashions on the Field during the Channel Seven Brisbane Racing Carnival in addition to the David Jones Lightning Handicap held on AAMI Stradbroke Day - Brisbane's most prestigious race day at Eagle Farm.

David Jones Group General Manager Marketing, Brett Riddington said, "We are thrilled to be partnering with the Brisbane Racing Club and expanding our long-term relationship with the Australian Racing Industry – this new agreement further enhances our commitment not only to the people of Brisbane but to the much-loved Australian sport of racing."

"The partnership between David Jones and the Brisbane Racing Club is a significant milestone for racing in Brisbane, delivering a first-class carnival through high caliber fashion and a prestigious race meet."

"David Jones has the greatest portfolio of the best local and international fashion, accessory and millinery brands recongnised by race goers nationwide, we look forward to bringing this new element of glamour and excitement to the track at Eagle Farm," Mr Riddington concluded.

David Jones Senior Executives including CEO, Paul Zahra and Ambassadors Megan Gale, Emma Freedman and Gai Waterhouse will all be trackside on AAMI Stradbroke Day.

BRC Chairman, Kevin Dixon said, "The Brisbane Racing Club is proud and excited to welcome David Jones to its stable of sponsors in 2011."

"From our earliest discussions it was obvious that David Jones and The Brisbane Racing Club have a like minded approach on how fashion integrates into a racing carnival. The iconic brand of David Jones and this approach will see the integration of fashion and racing grow throughout the Brisbane Racing Carnival between May 14 and June 11."

"The Brisbane Racing Club hosts the biggest racing Carnival in Queensland resulting in significant investment in fashion and accessory categories. The alignment of the BRC and David Jones brands leverages this economic impact on the State's economy," Mr Dixon concluded.