EXCLUSIVE: Time-honoured Stradbroke Handicap set for dramatic revamp after 130 years of history

Queensland racing officials are in discussions to make the famous Stradbroke Handicap even bigger, literally.

There is a push to have 20 starters in the Stradbroke Handicap next year. Picture: Grant Peters / Trackside Photography

Queensland’s biggest race is set to get even bigger – literally.

It can be revealed Queensland racing officials are pushing for a dramatic upheaval to the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) by adding two runners to the time-honoured classic, taking the field from 18 to 20 next year.

Racenet understands discussions are well underway to expand the famous handicap, whose history stretches back 130 years, in an attempt to bump up turnover.

There are a number of issues to be crossed off, with discussions with the jockeys’ association set to be a key pillar in expanding the race.

While formal discussions are yet to kick off, it is understood the association is supportive of the idea on face value.

The filly Stefi Magnetica wins an epic G1 Stradbroke - and it’s @ZacLloydx with his first Group 1 winner! 🙌@[e-mail]/eQl5rMReHB

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) June 15, 2024

• Stefi’s Stradbroke heroics hand Lloyd his Group 1 moment

The Brisbane Racing Club would also require a new set of barriers at Eagle Farm, with no more than 18 runners starting at the state’s premier racetrack at present.

As many as 24 horses used to run in the Stradbroke, before it was slowly reduced to its current capacity of 18 plus five emergencies.

After adding ballot-free entry into the race to The Archer — Rockhampton’s $1m 1300m slot race at the start of the carnival — Racing Queensland was keen to expand the Stradbroke to allow more horses to get into the $3m feature.

With a number of ballot-free races there was a concern that horses outside of those contests would struggle to get into the Stradbroke.

It comes as Tony Gollan was stuck with the first emergency with two well-fancied runners for two consecutive years.

Punters are off to a good start at Eagle Farm with Freedom Rally winning The Wayne Wilson for @tonygollan and @mcacajamez! @BrisRacingClubpic.twitter.com/GGkU7GVUJH

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) June 15, 2024

• Gollan throws Five Diamonds on the agenda for Freedom Rally

Both Antino (2023) and Freedom Rally (2024) were able to win the Listed Wayne Wilson on the day after missing out on a Stradbroke start.

A 20-horse Stradbroke would have seen both Freedom Rally and Yellow Brick gain a start in the Stradbroke on Saturday.

Originally published as EXCLUSIVE: Time-honoured Stradbroke Handicap set for dramatic revamp after 130 years of history