Racing to return at 2021 Royal Queensland Show
Racing Queensland announced on Friday that they would be partnering with the Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland (RNA) for the 16th year in next month’s Royal Queensland Show, the Ekka.
After missing last year due to the COVID pandemic, the Ekka will return in 2021, starting on August 7 at the Brisbane Showgrounds.
All three racing codes will be represented during the week of the show, including the famous nightly harness racing in the Main Arena, which will finish with a $15,000 final as part as a mini-race meeting on the final day.
The Canine Pavilion will host a Greyhound Sweepstakes, while the Main Arena will also feature Thoroughbred Day; a Racing Queensland training and education exhibit that promotes various careers in the racing industry; and Horsing Around, which highlights horses who are thriving in their post-racing life.
“The Ekka is one of the highlights in the Queensland social calendar,” said Adam Wallish, Racing Queensland’s Executive General Manager Operations.
“For almost 150 years, it’s been part of the fabric of our state, and importantly, plays a key role in showcasing the three codes of racing.
“Whether it is the Greyhound Sweepstakes or the nightly harness races, it allows people of all walks of life to go behind-the-scenes of our industry and to appreciate our incredible animals and industry participants.
“We’re looking forward to our partnership continuing in 2021 and 2022.”
More than 400,000 people are expected to attend the Ekka, which is sure to generate plenty of public interest in the Queensland racing industry.