Why Flyball State of Origin in Ipswich is a must watch event

Less than a week out from the all-important second game in this year’s State of Origin, the series has gone to the dogs in Ipswich this weekend.

State of Origin for Dogs national titles. Saturday June 22, 2024. Picture, John Gass

Less than a week before the all-important second game of this year’s State of Origin, the series has gone to the dogs.

While Queensland’s Origin sides descend on Melbourne and Townsville for the men’s and women’s series, another sport has clawed its way into Ipswich.

This weekend, June 22-23, more than 20 teams from across Queensland, NSW and the ACT were expected to descend on Ipswich for the Flyball State of Origin.

Member of organising club, Supersonics Flyball Racing, Ben Royes, said the sport was akin to “drag racing for dogs” and a very inclusive sport.

“Flyball is a relay-based team sport for dogs, where the dogs start after drag lights count down and then jump over a series of hurdles, retrieve a ball from a spring loaded box, then run back down and tag the next runner in the team,” Mr Royes said.

“Each team has four dogs and they race next the other team.

“The thing I love most about flyball is that every breed of dog does it, from your fast breeds like border collies and kelpies to your little breeds like terriers and chihuahuas.

“Even big lanky dogs Irish wolfhounds race.

“But flyball is not restricted to pedigrees, with teams being made up of mixed-breeds and mutts”.

56 PICTURES: Dogs Flyball State of Origin hits Ipswich

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Mr Royes said the sport was very fast paced with the fastest dogs able to run the course in under four seconds.

“Open to all breeds and sizes, flyball racing is the loudest, fastest and most fun you can have with your dog,” he said.

“Flyball State of Origin is held over two big days this weekend with dogs of all speeds and sizes going head to head with the big showdown at 2pm on Sunday afternoon (June 23) to determine the winner and ultimate bragging rights.

“We are raising money for our charity sponsor Wounded Heroes Australia who do a great job caring for injured servicemen and women.

“We have some special guests for the kids, with Chase and Skye from Paw Patrol being there on the weekend to cheer on their four legged mates”.

The Flyball State of Origin is on at the Ipswich Events Centre, Ipswich Showgrounds, 81 Warwick Rd, on Saturday, June 22 and Sunday, June 23.

Racing starts at 8.30am each day, closing at 4pm.

Entry is a gold coin donation to Wounded Heroes Australia.