From the Callers Box – October 2025

The new-look Queensland summer carnival is just around the corner.

In recent times, the summer carnival has merely been an afterthought, but now, it’s completely different with races that matter set to be staged. Including a Grand Circuit event – the Blacks A Fake Queensland Championship.

Many of the changes have been brought about by the Constellations with the Inter Dominion Championships now at its heart, a number of those features have been switched to the summer timeslot. Events like the BAF, Sunshine Sprint, Great Square and Patrons Purse (now The CJ) among others now headline the summer carnival program here at Albion Park plus Redcliffe. And it’s exciting.

Who will headline?

Will Leap To Fame target the local features upon his return from a shot at the New Zealand Cup?

How many interstate raiders will head north?

Can the locals dominate?

What sort of media coverage will be generated?

Will the punters flock back to the track to take in some outstanding action?

What type of atmosphere/vibe will be created under the warm summer skies?

Well, all these questions and more will have answers in time to come and it will be interesting how it all pieces together. But for what its worth, the $150,000 Great Square is the race I’m most looking forward to with several leading Victorian stables already making contact. The likes of Keayang Zahara, Violet Stanford, Remus Phoenix, Jilliby Ballerini, Maoris Mac and Hoppy among others likely to target the trotting feature.

A Queensland trained trotter is yet to win the Great Square; will this be the year? Time will tell.

Until next time.