Birdsville races organisers have opened ticket sales for the 2021 Birdsville Races as of May 26.
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After the pandemic forced the cancellation of the 2020 event the two-day spectacular of outback thoroughbred racing in the Simpson Desert is set to run on Friday and Saturday September 3-4 this year. .
The Birdsville Races, known as the Melbourne Cup of the outback, has been held since 1882 and have only ever been cancelled twice in its history, 2020 and also in 2007 due to equine influenza.
Birdsville Race Club Vice President Gary Brook said tickets were only available online and the Birdsville Race Club was working with government agencies and Racing Queensland on a plan for a Covid safe event.
"It's exciting to hear how much interest there is in coming to the event this year, we're anticipating we will be at capacity," he said.
"With overseas travel looking unlikely, exploring our country holds even greater appeal."
Tickets will not be available at the track gate - with all tickets required to be pre-purchased online prior to ensure entry and the number of trackside racegoers will be capped meaning attendees will need to purchase early to guarantee entry.
"We have space on our side and we're predominantly an outdoor event," Mr Brook said.
"Those two factors alone are a huge advantage in helping us keep race goers safe and able to social distance at the event - however given the interest in attending we do have to put a cap on numbers."
The bucket-list Birdsville Races typically attract more than 7000 annual visitors to enjoy the region's yabby races, street parties and various other events that lead into the big Friday and Saturday race days.
The Races will also continue its proud support of the Royal Flying Doctor Service in 2021, hosting a 6 kilometre fun run to help fundraise for the vital service in the remote region.
Tickets are on sale at https://www.birdsvilleraces.com/
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Derek Barry
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
