Third Birdsville Cup in nine years for Todd Austin

The first of two 2022 Birdsville meets culminated in blistering fashion on Monday in front of 3000 people, as Austin comfortably won the 1600m Birdsville Cup with thoroughbred Echo Point, ridden by fellow Barcaldine-dweller Brooke Richardson.

Austin had previously won with Primed back in 2013, and French Hussler in 2019 and the third win makes him the most successful Birdsville Cup trainer of the 21^st century.

Owned by a syndicate including Todd Austin's wife, Toni Austin, Echo Point was the punters' pick going into the Cup and did not disappoint.

Toppling a quality seven-horse field, the connections of Echo Point nabbed the winner's portion of a record $42,000 - the largest prize-purse in the race's prestigious 139-year history.

The only two female Jockeys in the Cup rode to first and second place went to Mackay, with runner-up Jade Doolan aboard the John Manzelman-trained Shiranda.

Toni Austin said Echo Point had run well in Longreach, so they had high hopes.

"Brooke had a magic ride, it's been a magic day. She stayed patient and Echo Point was comfortable. We couldn't have asked for more," Austin said.

"Thank you to the other owners and thank you to the Birdsville Race Club. We hope to be back out here in September to do it all over again. What a day and what a win."

Winning jockey Richardson said Echo Point had lots in the tank.

"He's got a lovely gentle temperament and did so well in tough conditions out here," Richardson said.

Runner-up Doolan said she was happy for the winning jockey.

"I love the girl power that helped us come in first and second," she said.

Racing returns to Birdsville September 2-3 with tickets going on sale soon.

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