a day ago
Stradbroke Day at Eagle Farm: What to wear, expert tips
Perfect winter weather is forecast for Queensland racing's showpiece event, The Star Stradbroke Day at Eagle Farm.
More than 10,000 people are expected at the track on Saturday for world class racing, hospitality and the carnival's fashion finale.
Fashion Queensland director Laura Churchill, who manages Brisbane Racing Club's fashions competition, said she was expecting about 70 entrants to compete on stage.
The Place Ascot Fashions on the Field has offered up more than $26,000 in prizing through the carnival.
The theme for Stradbroke Day each year is black and white with a touch of red, and Mrs Churchill said judges would be looking for participants who make that extra effort.
'It really comes down to the detail and the way an outfit has been put together,' she said.
'It's an elegant dress code that lends itself to a tailored, sophisticated look.
'Black and white with a touch of red is quite classic, so we'll look for outfits that play with layers and structures.'
Brisbane Racing Club ambassador Shayna Jack modelled her dress with the Stradbroke Handicap trophy for a photo shoot at Eagle Farm.
But the Olympic swimming gold medallist won't be trackside on Saturday due to her own sporting commitments.
'Unfortunately, my swimming commitments have kept me from being trackside for The Star Stradbroke Season,' Ms Jack said.
'Through the coverage that the carnival has received so far, it's clear to see each race day has been as exciting as the last.
'If there's ever a day to be trackside, The Star Stradbroke Day will have the best weather, the most electric crowd and the best trackside entertainment.'
More than $6.5 million in prize money will be awarded across the nine-race card, including $3 million for the prestigious Stradbroke Handicap.
Brisbane Racing Club CEO Karl deKroo said it promised to be a highlight on the national racing calendar.
'There's no better time to experience racing in Brisbane than The Star Stradbroke Day,' he said.
'After five weeks of thrilling action across Eagle Farm and Doomben, anticipation has been building for Queensland's most prestigious race – The Star Stradbroke Handicap.
'With fine weather forecast, we're expecting more than 10,000 racegoers to enjoy a spectacular day at Eagle Farm, with genuinely world-class racing, Brisbane's best hospitality, striking fashion, and live entertainment.'
Mr deKroo said the 2025 carnival had been a stunning success, despite some weather challenges.
'While heavy rain led to four races being postponed on Ladbrokes Derby Day, it also gave us the chance to create a truly memorable Super Saturday on Seven Oaks Day – featuring three Group 1 races and our biggest crowd of the carnival so far,' he said.
'Sky Racing Guineas Day, Ladbrokes Doomben 10,000 Day and XXXX Doomben Cup Day all went ahead as scheduled and were incredibly well received.
'We had a bit of fun on Doomben Cup Day, offering every racegoer a free XXXX Gold if Antino – the Pride of Queensland – or Pride Of Jenni could win the race. When Antino stormed home in course-record time, the roar from the crowd was unforgettable.'
TIPS FROM RACENET EXPERTS
Ben Dorries
1. Spicy Martini. In-form three-year-old filly with a feather weight and decent barrier in what is hardly a vintage Stradbroke. Yes, please,this filly is crazy odds. Toby Edmonds can win his second Stradbroke.
2. Bosustow. It is chips in for me on the three-year-olds and this colt looked slightly underdone in the Fred Best Classic, but can bounce back to Stradbroke glory by reproducing the form that saw him smash his rivals by six lengths the start before.
3. Rothfire. Produced close to the run of his life when going down narrowly in the Doomben 10,000. The query is fitness after a minor injury setback but this old warrior has the heart of Phar Lap.
Daniel Pace
1. Golden Mile. The Godolphin gelding showed his class with a fighting third in last week's Kingsford Smith Cup. Rock-hard fit and ready to peak. Slight query on the seven-day backup but trainer James Cummings is confident he can handle it.
2. War Machine. Fair to say he's under the odds but still smashed his rivals in the BRC Sprint. He was powering to the line and looked to have plenty left in the tank.
3. Private Eye. Doubtful he can win first-up going into the Stradbroke but he's a warrior who's had enough trials under his belt to put in a competitive performance.
