Entries open for 2025 QOTT Showjumping Showcase

Entries are now open for one of the nation’s most lucrative showjumping events for retired racehorses, the Queensland Off-The-Track (QOTT) Program Showjumping Showcase.

Following a successful second running in 2024, the event returns to the Royal Queensland Show on Sunday, August 10 and Monday, August 11, as part of the Ekka’s showjumping competition schedule.

Once again, $50,000 in prize money will be up for grabs in the 1.20m class, while the 1.05m class will see an additional $25,000 available, with both categories paying down to 30th place.

To be staged in the Main Arena at the Brisbane Showgrounds, the events will be exclusively held for retired racehorses.

Racing Minister Tim Mander said he was delighted to see the QOTT Program Showjumping Showcase return for another year.

“After only two years on the schedule, the QOTT Program Showjumping Showcase has already cemented its status as one of the must-see events as part of the famous Ekka,” Minister Mander said.

“The incentive of an impressive prize money pool at an event exclusive for retired racehorses continues to be a great reward for those who ensure that our former racehorses enjoy a rewarding and fulfilling life after racing.

“For close to 150 years, the Ekka has been a highlight on the Queensland social calendar and this event is the perfect showcase for our retired racehorses as well as the work of the QOTT Program.”

QOTT will also present the prestigious Thoroughbred and Standardbred Day on Monday, August 11, with over $25,000 on offer across 18 ‘Led’ and ‘Under Saddle’ classes.

The raceday-style event will see the two versatile racing breeds compete for the sought-after Champion of their Breed, with horse handlers presenting their horses to the judges in formal race day attire.

Entries for the QOTT Program Showjumping Showcase events close on Friday, 20 June, while entries for the Thoroughbred and Standardbred Day competition close on Friday, August 1.

Racing Queensland Senior Animal Care Manager Kim Duffy said it’s a thrill to continue the strong partnership with the RNA to deliver an exciting schedule of events to support retired racehorses.

“The Ekka provides a fantastic platform to showcase thoroughbred and standardbred horses to the community, while providing competition opportunities with significant prize money available for those who invest in the retraining of retired racehorses,” Ms Duffy said. 

“The racing ability on show at the Ekka ranges from horses that never won a race, to horses that were absolute superstars on the racetrack. All horses are supported and it’s a fantastic event to watch. 

“Seeing the horses out and about competing and enjoying their second careers is what makes this event so special. 

“Driving demand for retired racehorses in alternative careers in their post-racing lives is a key principle underpinning the QOTT Program and we hope our events at the Ekka inspire more people to get involved with retired racehorses.”

QOTT’s partnership with the ‘Horsing Around’ show will also continue, where acclaimed horse trainer Dave Manchon is joined by retired racehorses to share his training methods and how they can be applied when working with off-the-track horses.

Four 20-minute shows will be held per day, with an opportunity for the public to also get up close and personal with the horses who are also the stars of the EkkaNites Show.

Click here to view the RNA competition schedules.

Click here for more information on the QOTT Program.