The Stradbroke Handicap isn’t just Queensland’s biggest race — it’s the beating heart of the Sunshine State’s racing calendar and Australia’s premier event of the winter season. Each year, it grows in prestige, prize money, and global attention, evolving into a true celebration of elite thoroughbred talent. The Stradbroke is a proving ground where rising stars become household names and champions are forged.
There’s no denying that War Machine has reached new heights since heading north to Queensland under the guidance of the accomplished Team Hawkes. Just how far this exciting four-year-old has come will be revealed this Saturday in Queensland’s richest and most prestigious race, the $3 million Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap at Eagle Farm. Adding to the intrigue, Tim Clark, one of Australia’s most experienced big-race jockeys, takes the reigns for the first time aboard War Machine as he has his first crack at the Eagle Farm track. He’ll face off against a stellar field, including the local hero Rothfire, now partnered by James McDonald, who ironically denied Rothfire victory aboard Sunshine In Paris in last month’s Group 1 Doomben 10,000. Among the most consistent threats is Kimochi, to be ridden by Craig Williams. While she’s yet to break through this season, the talented mare has loomed large in every start and looks primed to peak this Saturday.
The Stradbroke headlines an electric program and comes up as Race 8 on a stacked Eagle Farm card that also features the Group 1 JJ Atkins for two-year-olds. The race acts as a season finale for this year’s juvenile stars, with local sensation Cool Archie gunning for his fifth straight win. He’ll face stiff competition from the likes of Zebra Finch, trained by James Cummings, and Grafterburners, also partnered by Craig Williams.
In a major boost to the meeting, the World Pool will be active on the Stradbroke and the Group 2 Q22, showcasing the very best of Queensland racing to international wagering markets. This opens up an incredible opportunity for partners to amplify engagement across jurisdictions and be part of Australia’s most thrilling winter race day.
