Ladbrokes Secures Naming Rights for Queensland’s Premier Stradbroke Handicap

The Brisbane Racing Club (BRC) has formalised an expansion of its commercial partnership with Ladbrokes, naming the wagering giant the major sponsor of the Stradbroke Handicap through to 2029.

The multi-year agreement, announced on 20 January 2026, officially rebrands the state’s most prestigious race as the Ladbrokes Stradbroke, coinciding with the 133rd renewal of the Group 1 event this June.

The deal represents a strategic victory for the Brisbane Racing Club, filling the marquee sponsorship vacancy left by The Star Entertainment Group, which recently stepped back from its racing portfolio.

Under the new terms, Ladbrokes becomes the naming rights partner for the next four Stradbroke Racedays at Eagle Farm, while extending its role as the lead partner for the broader seven-week Stradbroke Season.

Commenting on the announcement, Brisbane Racing Club CEO, Karl deKroo, said: “Ladbrokes’ deep and ongoing commitment to racing in Brisbane and across Queensland makes this a fitting and well-deserved alignment.”

“Since 2022, we’ve built one of the strongest collaborations in Australian racing, delivering engaging and innovative experiences for racegoers at Eagle Farm and Doomben,” deKroo said.

Strategic Significance and Home City Commitment

For Entain Australia & New Zealand, the parent company of Ladbrokes, the partnership is a homecoming. Located in Brisbane, the organisation views the sponsorship as a critical pillar of its “racing-first” marketing strategy.

CEO of Entain ANZ, Andrew Vouris, noted that backing the state’s showpiece race is a powerful reflection of their ongoing support for the industry.

“The Stradbroke is a race with extraordinary history and prestige.”

“Ladbrokes is proud to support an event in our home city that continues to produce champions such as Rough Habit, Alligator Blood, and Black Piranha,” Vouris said. 

The Ladbrokes Stradbroke Season is scheduled to run from 2 May to 27 June 2026, featuring seven spectacular Saturdays of elite thoroughbred racing.

The Ladbrokes Stradbroke Day itself, slated for 13 June 2026, remains the cornerstone of the Queensland Winter Racing Carnival, driving record visitation and providing a significant economic boost to the state’s tourism sector.

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