The Country Championships Final 2025

What is The Country Championships Final?

The Country Championships Final is a horse race in New South Wales, Australia, held annually it’s the culmination of a series of qualifying races, where horses from regional areas of New South Wales compete for a spot in this exciting final which is held at Royal Randwick Racecourse in Sydney and is part of the Autumn Racing Carnival. The Country Championships Final is run over1400 metres with a prize pot of $1 million AUD.

Country Championships Rules

To contest the Country Championships, horses must be under the care of a licensed trainer who operates from one of the eight designated country racing regions in New South Wales: Mid North Coast, South East, Central Districts, Southern Districts, Northern Rivers, Hunter & North West, Western, and BHFWRA.

The trainer must have a current stable return lodged by midnight on 1st April of the previous year. Only horses trained by these licensed trainers in the designated regions are eligible to enter the Country Championships, ensuring the race remains a competition for horses genuinely trained in country NSW.

Race History

The race was first run in 2015 and so is one of the new races that form part of The Championships at Royal Randwick. Last year’s winner was Asgarda who sprung something of a surprise as she was paying $26. In recent year’s the standout winner of the race has been Art Cadeau who after winning it in 2021 then went on and completed a unique double by claiming The Kosciuszko in the spring, a stunning achievement.

Latest Betting Odds

The futures market, which is pre-nom, so if your selection doesn’t run it means you will get your money back. Here are the approx. odds for each runner who has qualified with the place markets also listed: Gallant Star is at $3.50 and $1.55 to place, Know Thyself at $4.50 and $1.80 to place, Fukubana is $6.00 and $2.20, Tribeca Star at $7.00 and $2.40, Intervarsity at $11.00 and $3.40.

Zarizatycoon at $15.00 and $4, Canny Hell at $18 and $5, Lisztomania at $20 and $5.5, Burrandana at $26 and $6.50, Ticklebelly at $26.00 and $6.50, Rouge Moulin at $51 and $13, Sass N Cheek at $51 and $13, Sumo Fish at $51 and $13, Sunchyme at $61 and $15, Don Stefano at $101 and $25, McKeon at $101 and $25.

Tips for the Country Championships Final

The Pickabookie.com.au for selection for the race is the Scott Collings-trained runner Ticklebelly which is currently priced at $26 for the win. In what appears to be an open race and with the likelihood of a few showers in the Autumn this mare has proved herself to be good in the wet with 2 wins and 1 place out of 3 runs in such conditions. With 3 winners and 3 places this season out of 7 runs she is certainly in top form. 

Please remember to think before you bet. Stay in control, set limits, and seek support if gambling is no longer fun. Head to https://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au/ if you require help.