QUEENSLAND’S winter racing season is set to reach new heights, with the State’s richest greyhound carnival poised to light up The Q in 2026.
Spanning more than two months, the carnival will feature over $3 million in prize money across seven thrilling meetings, cementing its reputation as one of the nation’s premier greyhound events.
For the first time, the Group 1 Ladbrokes Ipswich Cup will take centre stage at The Q, alongside the debut of the new Group 2 Mach 10, set to be contested on the venue’s straight track.
The carnival will build towards the $1 million Group 1 Ladbrokes Brisbane Cup on July 11 – a crowning jewel with a $650,000 winner’s purse that places it among the world’s most prestigious greyhound races.
The 2026 edition will carry extra anticipation after last year’s Brisbane Cup was controversially abandoned due to unforeseen track issues.
That same night will also showcase the Group 1 Queensland Cup for stayers, offering $262,500 in prize money.
Highlights of the carnival include a feature meeting on June 4 at Q1 Lakeside, headlined by the Ipswich Cup and supported by the Group 3 Dashing Corsair.
Another marquee night on June 18 will celebrate Queensland champions, with the Group 1 $225,000 Ladbrokes Flying Amy Classic and the Group 2 Cyndie’s Magic on the Q2 Parklands circuit, alongside the inaugural running of the Mach 10.
Queensland will also defend its title in the Ladbrokes Origin Greyhound Series, beginning on June 25 after reclaiming the trophy in 2025.
The series includes the Origin Sprint and Origin Distance – each carrying $150,000 in prize money – plus a $60,000 match race between selected Queensland and New South Wales chasers.
The carnival kicks off on May 9 with the return of the popular QGOLD meeting, reverting to a one-night format in 2026.
