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Perth Racing and Trackside lock in Jedibeel for BYD Quokka
Sport Nation • March 26th, 2026 1:30 pm
Jedibeel won the A$500,000 Group 2 Schweppes Challenge Stakes at Randwick last year | Photo: bradleyphotos.com.au
Perth Racing and Trackside NZ have officially secured their contender for the 2026 BYD Quokka, (supported by Western Australia, Walking on a Dream) the $5 million sprint at Ascot Racecourse on 18 April.
Jedibeel will represent the Perth Racing/Trackside NZ slot, bringing elite Group 1 form across the Nullarbor.
The talented galloper is in excellent form, with a narrow runner up placing in the Gr. 1 Galaxy at Rosehill last Saturday following on from a strong fourth-placed effort in the Gr.1 Oakleigh Plate.
Bred in New Zealand, Jedibeel is by champion sire Savabeel, reinforcing a strong trans-Tasman narrative for Trackside NZ’s campaign.
Trained by leading horseman Brad Widdup at Hawkesbury, the gelding will be ridden by in-form jockey Tyler Schiller, adding further eastern states firepower to the already world-class field assembling for The BYD Quokka.
Andrew Hannan, representing Trackside NZ, said the decision to target The Quokka with Jedibeel reflects the growing stature of Western Australia’s premier raceday.
“Jedibeel has shown he belongs at the elite level, and his recent Group 1 performances prove he’s ready to compete on a stage like The BYD Quokka. As a New Zealand-bred by Savabeel, he’s a horse we’re incredibly proud to bring across, and we’re excited to be part of such a dynamic and rapidly growing race.”
Perth Racing Chief Executive Officer James Oldring said the addition of Jedibeel further strengthens the race’s national appeal.
“The Western Australian racing public is looking forward to welcoming Trackside NZ and Jedibeel to Ascot. His career earnings of $1.9m and his recent Group 1 form make him a compelling contender, and his New Zealand pedigree adds another exciting dimension to this year’s race, which is once again shaping up to be one of the best races in Australia.”
The NZ and interstate contenders arrive on a charter flight to Perth airport on 10 April.
The 2026 BYD Quokka will be held on Saturday, 18 April at Ascot Racecourse, continuing its rise as one of Australia’s most anticipated sprint races and WA’s richest race.
Tickets are on sale now via www.PerthRacing.com.au
