Doomben Racing Track

Doomben Racecourse is located just 6km from Brisbane’s CBD and is the venue for several of Queensland’s premier race meetings. It is a favourite among racegoers thanks to its expansive facilities, highlighted by the impressive Doomben 10,000 Room. This premium viewing area features floor-to-ceiling glass, offering uninterrupted views of the track. Named after Doomben’s signature Group 1 weight-for-age race, the Doomben 10,000, the room sits atop the grandstand and provides an excellent view of the winning post, as well as a prime vantage point over the mounting yard where elite thoroughbreds parade before major races. From there, runners head onto the course proper, which has a circumference of 1,715m and a 350m home straight.

The track’s large oval layout features sweeping double turns at both the eastern and western ends, which can make it challenging for horses drawn wide. Doomben is often referred to as the “Garden Racecourse” due to the beautifully maintained gardens that surround the venue.

During the Queensland Winter Carnival, Doomben hosts three Group 1 races: the Doomben 10,000 (1350m), the BTC Cup (1200m), and the Doomben Cup (2200m).

Barriers:

1010m – Races begin at the end of the back straight, giving runners just 110m before reaching the home turn. Inside barriers hold a significant advantage.

1200m – Starts from the top of the back straight on the course proper. Runners travel around 300m before negotiating the sweeping double bend into the home straight, again strongly favouring inside barriers.

1350m – Races commence from a chute at the top of the back straight. Even with an additional 450m at the start, inside barriers remain the most advantageous.

1650m – Begins from a chute after the home straight that feeds directly into the first sweeping double turn. Horses drawn wide are at a clear disadvantage due to the early work required.

2020m – Races start on the course proper in the home straight. The longer distance reduces the impact of the draw, though inside barriers still hold a slight edge.

2200m – The start is from a chute at the top of the home straight. Runners have the full length of the straight to find position, which largely neutralises the barrier advantages seen over shorter distances.