Trainer Steven Ramsay has received a formal invitation from the Brisbane Racing Club (BRC) for a free ride to Brisbane following his stunning success with Guiseppina in the Telegraph Handicap.

The BRC invitation will cover entry fees and travel expenses should Ramsay bring Guiseppina to Brisbane to contest the $1 Million Group 1 AAMI Stradbroke Handicap on Saturday June 9.

Trainer Steven Ramsay has said the Stradbroke is a perfect race for his classy mare.

“She races best with a fast speed and a chance to unleash in the final 400 metres,” Ramsay said.

“The Stradbrokes I’ve seen are usually run like that. She would love the long Eagle Farm straight.

Guiseppina came from near last to run down Australian sprinter Atomic Force in a thrilling finish on Saturday.

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

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

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.

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 line invited to Brisbane to race alongside Guiseppina.

Steven Ramsay could return home with more than expected should Guiseppina stage a successful raid in Brisbane.

The Brisbane Racing Club Chairman has announced a new partnership with Brisbane BMW and Westside BMW that
offers trainers the chance to win a new BMW.

Any trainer who has a placegetter (1st “ 4th) 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.