Sports
Eagle Farm Races Cancelled as Queensland’s Super Saturday Takes Shape
Heavy rainfall forces early halt at Eagle Farm with Group 1 features now rescheduled for a blockbuster June 7 card at Queensland Oaks Day
Brisbane – May 31, 2025 — The action at Eagle Farm Racecourse came to a sudden stop on Saturday after persistent rainfall rendered the track unsuitable, leading officials to abandon the meeting after just five races. The decision, made in the interest of jockey and horse safety, has once again highlighted the weather woes that continue to plague the historic venue.
It’s a blow to fans and punters alike, especially with several high-stakes Group 1 races scheduled for the day. However, Racing Queensland wasted no time in offering a silver lining — the cancelled races, including the Group 1 Kingsford Smith Cup, Group 1 Queensland Derby, and Listed Helen Coughlan Stakes, will now be part of an epic 10-race Super Saturday next week, aligning with the already popular Queensland Oaks Day on June 7.
The Group 3 Fred Best Classic has been moved to Doomben Racecourse and will now run this coming Wednesday over 1350m. But it’s the triple Group 1 showcase on June 7 that’s generating the most buzz, with fans now looking forward to what could become one of the most exhilarating cards of the winter racing season.
Officials said the cancellation was due to a combination of track saturation and reduced visibility, conditions that were confirmed after consistent rainfall throughout the morning and early afternoon. Eagle Farm, which has seen its share of weather-related disruptions over recent years, continues to wrestle with track drainage issues and unpredictable Queensland skies.
“This was a tough but necessary call,” Racing Queensland said in a statement. “The safety of our riders and thoroughbreds must always come first, and we’re committed to delivering a spectacular and safe day of racing on June 7.”
The reshuffle now places some of Australia’s most watched races on the same program, a move that is expected to boost attendance and betting turnover. For trainers, jockeys, and connections, it means a week’s delay — but also the chance to reset and regroup for a higher-profile outing.
Racing fans across the nation are already circling the date. With Derby hopefuls, sprinters eyeing Group 1 glory, and top fillies competing in the Oaks, the Super Saturday spectacle could become a defining event of the Brisbane Winter Carnival.
As for Eagle Farm, the focus now shifts to track recovery and restoration, with officials hoping next Saturday’s massive card proceeds without a hitch.