Brisbane: Story Bridge Hotel announces 28th Annual Australia Day Cockroach Races
Traditionally January 26 marks the landing of Captain Arthur Phillip in Sydney, claiming Australia for the British Empire. However, the real show on Monday January 26 will be at Brisbane’s famous Story Bridge Hotel for the 28th Annual Australia Day Cockroach Races.
On a day when flag raising, street parades and national pride takes centre stage, thousands of patriots pay homage to this vast brown land by heading to the Story Bridge Hotel, as they have done for almost 30 years, for serious cockroach race action. Known as the greatest gathering of thoroughbred cockroaches in the known universe, it's the highlight of the icky insect's sporting calendar and a major social event for South East Queensland, news of which has reached the far sides of the world.
While names like Warne, Rafter, Thorpe and Lockyer usually dominate a major Australian sporting event, on January 26 it’s Cocky Balboa, Ita Buttroach, Osama Bin Liner and Sir Roach-a-Lot. Competition is fierce, and while contestants are encouraged to bring their own racers, many buy cockys on the day. Rules and regulations (full copy available on request) are carefully followed on this day of high drama – there are 14 races with a minimum of 20 "cockys" in each. Regulars from the Story Bridge Hotel act as stewards, and it's their job to paint numbers on the backs of the cockys in tip-pex or nail polish. As flying is an immediate cause for disqualification, some prefer to tape down their cockys' wings.
The races start with all contestants in a bucket in the centre of the arena. It is turned upside down, lifted off the ground and the cockys are free to race to the outside of the circle. First one to the outside barrier is the winner, and up for grabs is the Story Bridge Hotel Annual Australia Day Cockroach Races Cup, easily comparable to the Ashes or Wimbledon. Participation is simple – it is simply $5 per cocky to enter. The steeplechase events make it that bit harder with a piece of garden hose lining the ring.
However, the day is not entirely about speed. This year there is a $2000 function at the hotel up for grabs for the BEST STABLE (Best Dressed Group) and Brisbane’s most prestigious beauty crown will also be awarded in the ‘Miss Cocky’ Pageant.
Now famous nationally and certainly known around the world, what of the origins of the Annual Australia Day Cockroach Races at the Story Bridge Hotel? Second generation hotel owner Deery tells the story: “From small beginnings in 1981 the Annual Cockroach Races began out of a conversation from two locals sitting at the old Story Bridge Hotel Bombshelter bar discussing who had the biggest cockroaches in their suburb, did Hawthorne or Kangaroo Point have claim to the biggest, strongest and fastest cockroaches. “To settle this discussion it was suggested by one of the Deery family for them both to bring the Cockroaches from their respective suburbs to the pub on Australia Day and these questions would be answered. This is how one of Brisbane’s most unique and iconic events began.”
Thousands now attend to watch the races, discuss form and tactics and urge their support for their favourites. The day begins this year at 11am at the Story Bridge Hotel with races from 12noon and entertainment featuring some of Brisbane’s hottest bands and DJs. In 2008 almost $20,000 was raised during the day for the Mater Children's Hospital. This year the charity partner is Variety, the Children’s Charity.
