The Q Assumes Winter Carnival Spotlight

THE Q will take centre stage for the first time this winter carnival with Racing Queensland revealing a plethora of feature events for the new complex across May, June and July.

More than $3 million in feature race prize money will be on offer during the carnival, headlined by the $1 million Group 1 Brisbane Cup which closes out the carnival on Saturday night, July 5.

Slated for the same night is the Group 1 Queensland Cup for the stayers which in 2025 boasts prize money of $262,500 and like the Brisbane Cup, will be staged on the new Q2 Parklands Circuit.

The other Group 1 of the carnival is the rich Flying Amy Classic (520m) which carries $150,000-to-the-winner and is open to greyhounds 30 months or younger. 

Renowned for producing top caliber greyhounds, the Flying Amy final will be staged on Saturday, June 7 which coincides with the official opening of The Q. 

 "We are incredibly excited to bring the Queensland Winter Greyhound Racing Carnival to The Q for the first time," QGRC Acting CEO Jason Scott said.

"Not only will The Q deliver the nation's premier racing facility, we are excited to open our doors to South East Queensland as a multi-use asset that the whole community can enjoy.

"Our goal is to present an unforgettable experience for all attendees visiting The Q, with on-track action aplenty alongside top-tier entertainment and dining that will set the complex apart from anything we have in Australia."

With a swag of feature events on the offing, Queensland will be the place to be this winter.

The hugely popular – and fiercely competitive – State of Origin returns in 2025 where Queensland will look to regain the shield after tasting defeat in 2024.

The series will take place on June 12, featuring the Origin Sprint and Origin Distance (worth $150,000 apiece) as well as the $60,000 two-dog match race, where competing chasers will be selected by Queensland and NSW officials respectively.

Racing Queensland Acting CEO Lachlan Murray said he was excited to see the winter carnival reach new heights in 2025. 

"We have worked tirelessly with the Queensland Greyhound Racing Club to ensure this Carnival will cater to greyhounds of all skill and distance; from maidens to masters, age-restricted classics and Group races at all levels,” Murray said.

"The Brisbane Cup remains the crowning jewel of the programme, however The Q's official opening event on June 7 to coincide with the Flying Amy will be a night not to be missed, coupled with the famous Origin Greyhound Series a matter of days later."

In a boon for Queensland bred greyhounds, QGOLD events will expand in 2025, with two feature meetings now on the programme to open the Winter Carnival on May 17 and 22. 

Restricted to greyhounds born and bred in Queensland, the QGOLD meeting will see more than $230,000 in prize money on offer over eight races. 

To nominate for an event at The Q, a greyhound must have successfully trialled out of the starting boxes at the specific track it is to be nominated for.

In addition, greyhounds must have competed in a race at Q2 Parklands prior to the close of nominations to be eligible to contest the Brisbane Cup heats on Thursday, June 26.