Ipswich Cup Tips, Field & Odds

The Ipswich Cup 2026 is one of Queensland’s great racedays — a $250,000 Listed staying handicap over 2150m at Ipswich (Bundamba) on Saturday 20 June 2026, headlining a famous winter party that packs out the track. This is our complete guide: the 2026 date and start times, the raceday, the field, tips and best bets, live odds, the form guide, how to watch, past winners and FAQs.

The Ipswich Cup 2026: Key Details

Detail	Value
Race	Ipswich Cup (Listed handicap)
Date	Saturday 20 June 2026
Start time	~3:30pm AEST (confirmed race week)
Venue	Ipswich Racecourse, Bundamba
Distance	2150m
Conditions	Listed handicap, 3yo & up
Prize money	$250,000
Broadcast	Sky Racing + free bookmaker live streams

 

When is the Ipswich Cup & What Time?

The Ipswich Cup is run in mid-to-late June on Ipswich Cup Day. In 2026 that’s Saturday 20 June, with the Cup itself run mid-afternoon (approximately 3:30pm AEST; the exact time is confirmed race week). It’s a winter meeting (no daylight saving) — local start times by state:

State	Local start time
QLD / NSW / VIC / ACT / TAS	~3:30pm AEST
South Australia	~3:00pm ACST
Northern Territory	~3:00pm ACST
Western Australia	~1:30pm AWST

 

Queensland’s Biggest Party Raceday

More than a race, the Ipswich Cup is an institution — one of Queensland’s biggest and most social racedays, drawing huge crowds for its festival atmosphere, fashions and the famous infield party (the Ipswich Turf Club has raced here since 1848). On the track the Cup is a 2150m staying handicap — and because it’s a handicap, it’s a punters’ race that throws up plenty of value: Smart Meteor ($20) and Red Wave ($17) are recent winners. It’s the community highlight that closes out the Brisbane winter.

The Ipswich Cup 2026 Field, Weights & Barrier Draw

The Ipswich Cup draws a big field of stayers chasing a winter prize, with the weights central to the handicap. Over 2150m at the tight Ipswich circuit the barrier and a good tempo matter, and a well-treated, in-form stayer down at the weights is always the play. Check back for the confirmed 2026 weights, field and barrier draw.

Ipswich Cup Tips, Best Bets & Predictions

Our tipsters post their Ipswich Cup best bets and value selections once the field, weights and barriers are confirmed. A 2150m staying handicap rewards a well-weighted, in-form stayer — and the race’s history of big-priced winners means each-way and exotic value is well worth chasing. Win and each-way are the staples. Bookmark this page for our final selections.

How to Bet on the Ipswich Cup

All the standard markets apply — win and each-way (valuable in a big-field handicap), plus exotics (quinella, exacta, trifecta and first-four) that can pay handsomely when a roughie places. Prices vary between bookmakers, so always compare and take the best available — see our toplist below.

Ipswich Cup Odds & Favourites

Ipswich Cup markets firm in the days before the race as the weights and field are confirmed. As an open staying handicap it regularly rewards value — recent winners have come from $17 and $20 — so don’t be afraid of a price. For live Ipswich Cup odds and the best price on every runner, compare the bookmakers below.

Ipswich Cup Form Guide

The key form lines are the Queensland winter staying races and provincial cups, plus southern stayers heading north for a winter prize. Look for a horse well treated at the weights with proven 2000m+ form and a strong recent run. The Ipswich Cup is one of the social highlights of the Brisbane Winter Racing Carnival, alongside Group 1s like the Stradbroke Handicap.

Ipswich Cup Recent Winners

Flash Aah wound back the clock to win the 2025 Ipswich Cup. Recent winners show how open it can be:

Year	Winner	Note
2025	Flash Aah	One of the oldest winners ever
2024	Red Wave	$17
2023	Regal Lion	Annabel Neasham
2022	Smart Meteor	$20 upset
2021	Happy Go Plucky

 

History & Background

Racing has been held at Ipswich since 1848, and the Ipswich Cup has grown into one of Queensland’s most loved racedays — as famous for its festival, fashions and infield party as for the staying handicap itself. It’s a community institution and a fitting, festive close to the Brisbane Winter Racing Carnival.

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

The Ipswich Cup is shown on Sky Racing, and you can live stream the race free with most licensed Australian bookmakers once your account is funded. For tickets and on-course information, see the Ipswich Turf Club; replays go up on the Racing Queensland and Sky channels shortly after.

Best Bookmakers for the Ipswich Cup

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

Ipswich Cup FAQs

When is the Ipswich Cup 2026?

Saturday 20 June 2026 at Ipswich Racecourse in Bundamba, over 2150m.

What is the Ipswich Cup?

A $250,000 Listed staying handicap and one of Queensland’s biggest social racedays, famous for its festival atmosphere and infield party.

How much is the Ipswich Cup worth?

$250,000.

What distance is the Ipswich Cup?

2150m, run under handicap conditions at Ipswich (Bundamba).

Who won the 2025 Ipswich Cup?

Flash Aah, one of the oldest horses ever to win the race.

What time is the Ipswich Cup?

Mid-afternoon — approximately 3:30pm AEST — confirmed race week (no daylight saving).

How can I watch the Ipswich Cup?

On Sky Racing, with free live streams via most licensed Australian bookmakers.