The Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) reminds all trainers with runners in feature races during the 2026 Northern Winter Carnival of the required horse arrival times.
Trainers are reminded of their obligations to notify Stewards of all travel arrangements for horses, including:
- The intended destination;
- Staff travelling with the horse;
- Date of travel; and
- Where the horse will be stabled while away from its registered base.
This requirement is essential to maintaining appropriate traceability, welfare oversight, and integrity controls.
Trainers must also comply with AR 101, AR 101A, and AR 103 regarding stable locations, nominations, and horse care.
Alternate stabling locations must be approved by Stewards and appropriately recorded. Accurate stable returns are mandatory for nominations, and any changes to a horse’s location must be updated immediately.
Trainers remain responsible for the care, control, and supervision of their horses at all times, regardless of the caretaker’s location.
Failure to comply with these obligations may result in the refusal of nominations, Steward’s inquiries, and/or disciplinary action under the Rules of Racing.
QRIC Stewards thank trainers in advance for their cooperation in adhering to these requirements to support the efficient and fair conduct of the race meetings.
Participants are also strongly encouraged to plan transport arrangements accordingly and account for potential traffic and congestion during the Carnival period.
For any operational queries, participants should contact thoroughbredstewards@qric.qld.gov.au in advance of race day.
Rockhampton
Arrival Time – 2 Hours Prior to Race Start
All horses engaged in the following races must be on course no later than two (2) hours prior to the advertised start time of their respective races:
- Rockhampton Newmarket – Thursday, 9 July
- Capricorn Guineas – Saturday, 11 July
- Rockhampton Cup – Saturday, 11 July
Mackay
Arrival Time – 2 Hours Prior to Race Start
All horses engaged in the following races must be on course no later than two (2) hours prior to the advertised start time of their respective races:
- Mackay Newmarket – Friday, 17 July
- Whitsunday Guineas – Saturday, 25 July
- Mackay Cup – Saturday, 25 July
Townsville
Arrival Time – 2 Hours Prior to Race Start
All horses engaged in the following races must be on course no later than two (2) hours prior to the advertised start time of their respective races:
- Townsville Guineas – Saturday, 8 August
- Cleaveland Bay Handicap – Saturday, 8 August
- Townsville Cup – Saturday, 8 August
Cairns
Arrival Time – 2 Hours Prior to Race Start
All horses engaged in the following races must be on course no later than two (2) hours prior to the advertised start time of their respective races:
- Cairns Newmarket – Friday, 28 August
- Daintree Guineas – Saturday, 29 August
- Cairns Cup – Saturday, 29 August
All Other Races
Arrival Time for All Remaining Races – 1.5 Hours Prior to Race Start
All horses engaged in all remaining races on the program during the Northern Winter Carnival race meetings are required to be on course no later than one and a half (1.5) hours prior to the advertised start time of their respective races.