Doomben Cup Tips, Predictions & Preview

The Doomben Cup is one of Queensland's headline Group 1 races and the centrepiece of the Brisbane Winter Racing Carnival's middle weekend.

The Doomben Cup is the great weight-for-age staying feature of the Brisbane Winter Carnival — a $1 million Group 1 over 2000m at Doomben, run in late May. This is our complete guide: the date and start times, the field, tips and best bets, live odds, the form guide, how to watch, past winners and FAQs — updated through the carnival with the latest field, odds and our best bets.

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The Doomben Cup: Key Details

Detail Value
Race Doomben Cup (Group 1, WFA)
Next running Late May 2027 (confirmed early in the year)
Most recent Saturday 23 May 2026 — won by Birdman
Start time ~4:30pm AEST (confirmed race week)
Venue Doomben Racecourse, Brisbane
Distance 2000m
Conditions Group 1, weight-for-age, 3yo & up
Prize money $1 million
Broadcast Sky Racing + free bookmaker live streams

 

When is the Doomben Cup & What Time?

The Doomben Cup is run on Doomben Cup Day on the fourth Saturday of May, a fortnight before the Stradbroke. The most recent edition was 23 May 2026; the next runs in late May 2027, with the feature jumping in the late afternoon (approximately 4:30pm AEST). It’s a winter meeting so there’s no daylight saving — local start times by state:

State Local start time
QLD / NSW / VIC / ACT / TAS ~4:30pm AEST
South Australia ~4:00pm ACST
Northern Territory ~4:00pm ACST
Western Australia ~2:30pm AWST

 

Australia’s Great Winter Weight-for-Age Cup

The Doomben Cup is the premier weight-for-age middle-distance race of the Brisbane winter — the test for the best stayers and middle-distance horses heading north, run at level weights over 2000m. It has a proud history of champions and tough types: Rough Habit famously won three straight (1991–93), Huetor went back-to-back in 2022–23, and in 2026 Birdman gave Chris Waller his 200th Group 1 win. It pairs with the Stradbroke Handicap as the carnival’s two marquee races.

The Doomben Cup Field & Barrier Draw

The Doomben Cup typically draws a compact, classy weight-for-age field of middle-distance horses, many shipping north from the autumn. Over 2000m at the tight Doomben circuit the barrier and a fair run matter, and proven Group form plus a strong finish are the keys. The field firms through the carnival lead-ups. Check back for the confirmed field and barrier draw.

Doomben Cup Tips, Best Bets & Predictions

Our tipsters post their Doomben Cup best bets and value selections once the field and barriers are confirmed. A weight-for-age 2000m rewards proven middle-distance class and a horse peaking into the winter — though the race throws up the occasional bolter (Bois D’Argent saluted at $26 in 2024). Win and each-way are the staples, with the exotics playable in a small field. Bookmark this page for our final selections.

How to Bet on the Doomben Cup

All the standard markets apply — win and each-way, plus exotics (quinella, exacta, trifecta and first-four). Futures open through the Brisbane carnival. Prices vary between bookmakers, so always compare and take the best available — see our toplist below.

Doomben Cup Odds & Favourites

Doomben Cup markets firm through the carnival as the field is confirmed. Class usually holds — Birdman won as a well-backed $3.30 favourite in 2026, with the brave Pride Of Jenni runner-up in both 2025 and 2026 — but a winter staying race can still reward value. For live Doomben Cup odds and the best price on every runner, compare the bookmakers below.

Doomben Cup Form Guide

The key form lines are the autumn weight-for-age and staying races plus the Brisbane winter lead-ups — the Hollindale Stakes and Q22/Brisbane Cup company. Look for a proven 2000m Group performer adapting to the tight Doomben circuit and peaking in the winter. The Doomben Cup is one of the two marquees of the Brisbane Winter Racing Carnival, alongside the Stradbroke Handicap and the Kingsford Smith Cup.

Doomben Cup Recent Winners & 2026 Result

The 2026 Doomben Cup was won by Birdman ($3.30), holding off Pride Of Jenni to give Chris Waller his 200th Group 1 success. Recent winners:

Year Winner Note
2026 Birdman Waller’s 200th Group 1; beat Pride Of Jenni
2025 Antino
2024 Bois D’Argent $26 upset
2023 Huetor Back-to-back
2022 Huetor
2021 Zaaki Dominant favourite

 

History & Background

A Brisbane winter institution, the Doomben Cup has been won by some of Australasian racing’s toughest stayers — none more famous than Rough Habit, the Queensland hero who won three in a row from 1991. Might And Power, Zaaki and Huetor have added their names since, and it remains the great weight-for-age examination of the Brisbane Winter Racing Carnival.

How to Watch the Doomben Cup (Live Stream & TV)

The Doomben Cup is shown on Sky Racing, with free-to-air coverage in Queensland, and you can live stream the race free with most licensed Australian bookmakers once your account is funded. Replays go up on the Racing Queensland and Sky channels shortly after.

Best Bookmakers for the Doomben Cup

For a full comparison of the top Australian racing bookmakers — best odds, futures and live streaming — see our best horse racing betting sites in Australia guide.

#AD 18+ T&Cs Apply Imagine what you could be buying instead. For free & confidential support call 180 0858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au

18+ T&C's Apply. What are you really gambling with? Chances are you're about to lose. Set a Deposit LimitĀ For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au

18+ T&C's Apply. What are you really gambling with? Chances are you're about to lose. Set a Deposit LimitĀ For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au

18+ T&C's Apply. What are you really gambling with? Chances are you're about to lose. Set a Deposit LimitĀ For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au

#AD 18+ T&Cs Apply Imagine what you could be buying instead. For free & confidential support call 180 0858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au

18+ T&C's Apply. What are you really gambling with? Chances are you're about to lose. Set a Deposit LimitĀ For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au

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Doomben Cup FAQs

When is the Doomben Cup?

On the fourth Saturday of May at Doomben — the most recent ran on 23 May 2026, with the next in late May 2027.

How much is the Doomben Cup worth?

$1 million, at Group 1 weight-for-age level.

Who won the 2026 Doomben Cup?

Birdman, giving trainer Chris Waller his 200th Group 1 win, beating Pride Of Jenni.

What distance is the Doomben Cup?

2000m, weight-for-age, at Doomben Racecourse.

What time is the Doomben Cup?

Late afternoon — approximately 4:30pm AEST — with the exact jump time confirmed race week (no daylight saving in May).

Which horse won the most Doomben Cups?

Rough Habit, who won three straight from 1991 to 1993.

How can I watch the Doomben Cup?

On Sky Racing, with free-to-air coverage in Queensland and free live streams via most bookmakers.