May 9, 2025
If the tremendous roll up at Wondai’s Anzac Day fixture is anything to go by, it will be the usual bumper day at Burrandowan on Saturday.
First time patrons are strongly urged to check out Burrandowan’s very comprehensive website and Facebook page.
The course is about 70km west of Kingaroy and the route includes some unsealed sections.
The track’s surroundings evoke memories of John Williamson’s song about a home among the gum trees. It is the ultimate bush meeting that includes various classy touchs.
Do check out photographer John Dalton’s wonderful 2024 Photo Gallery on the race club’s website. His superb array of images covers all aspects of the time-honoured event.
Key reminders include the following:
- The venue is cash only
- There are no ATMs or mobile phone reception so racegoers should pre-save their pre-paid tickets to their phone
- Campers need to bring their own drinking water
- Folk staying on for the post-race infield pit-fired barbecue need to bring cooking utensils plus food to go with the steaks that are purchased at the track
- Vege packs are on sale at the Steak Shed
- Live music will take the stayers well into the night
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The Racing Pointers
The racing surface is officially described as “dirt”. This is not to be confused with the American term that equates more closely with our sand circuits. The top at Burrandowan is firm.
The Qualifier for the $200,000 Battle of the Bush Final is an absorbing affair. The winner will be one of the 16 aspirants which will line up at Eagle Farm in late June for an event that carries statewide interest. The eight regions all stage two heats with all the winners assured of a place in the field.
The contenders on Saturday in the Open Plate (1175m), sponsored by Kewpie Stock Feeds, include the 2023 Battle of the Bush Final hero Art By Concorde. The Under The Louvre gelding was booted home by Kyle Wilson Taylor.
Evergreen jockey Paul Hamblin was aboard when Craig Smith’s charge prevailed in the Barcaldine leg last year and also for the close fourth in that Final. The partnership will resume at Burrandowan.
When Smith retired, Art By Concorde’s Roma owner John Bushell transferred his money spinner to Corey and Kylie Geran’s yard near Toowoomba.
The $20,000 buy that has banked $300,000 didn’t fire in higher company in his new surroundings so he was returned to Roma. The six-year-old has picked up form again in the hands of former jockey Rebecca Kerwin, posting two victories and a third from just four opportunities. Although four kilogram Kayla Barker has clicked with the bay, apprentices’ allowances cannot be used in the series.
Another key hopeful is the Geran-trained Jack Be Lucky, the runner-up in last year’s Final. The son of the Irish-bred stallion Holy Roman Emperor narrowly missed clinching a Final’s berth recently at Goondiwindi for Landan Sykes, the in-form apprentice that will be atop again on Saturday.
Last year, Brad Stewart put the polish on and also rode Masterplan when the gelding by Sidestep comfortably took out out Burrandowan’s heat.
Although the horse was unplaced in the Final he was only two and a half lengths behind the winner. The four-year-old ran second a week ago in the Battle of the Bush offering at Jandowae. This time, Stewart will hoist Nathan Fazackerley into the pigskin.
Last year’s Kumbia Cup winner Peshwa is a very consistent performer. Chris Whiteley, the successful hoop on that occasion, aims to keep their unbeaten record intact. Punters who like greys should have an interest on the sprinter that likes to lead.
Office Jim was very unlucky in the straight in the qualifier at Goondiwindi in April for the potent Pat Webster-Chloe Lowe unit. The trainer and his apprentice have already put Invahir into the Final with their success at Jandowae.
Locals Bob and Dorothy Black are having another crack at a BOTB with Diggity. The Equiano (Fr) chestnut’s chances were dashed in the 2023 Final when he lost his position early on and was second last on the home turn.
Their black and white livery will also be sported by another son of Equiano in Igbo. The galloper, with a strong liking for metric half mile tasks, resumed after a long break with a valiant second to the home track specialist Jain on the sand at Wondai on Anzac Day.
This upcoming round of the Battle of the Bush is chock full of interest.
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The other principal event is the finale, the Kellco Livestock Agents Burrandowan Cup (BM 55 Handicap) over 1740 metres.
The reserve Girramay is the only candidate to have started at Burrandowan.
Its form is not laden with hope. The best tip is to look at the racebook form for runners that will not be troubled by the trip.
Jockeys have an extra incentive as South Burnett Mayor Kathy Duff traditionally honours her special family link to Burrandowan racing by presenting the first rider home with a special trophy.
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The elements are in place for very exciting action on Saturday. Don’t miss it !
