Listore Park, owned by the Brook family from Birdsville, may hold the key to South Australia’s success at the prestigious event.

The property near Wistow outside Mount Barker is named after Listore Creek near Birdsville and has been a training ground for seven Birdsville Cup winners since 1982, all under the guidance of the late George Dawson, the most successful trainer in the race’s history.

The annual Birdsville Races are held every September in the remote Queensland town of Birdsville, with the two-day event raising funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia.

The event dramatically increases the town’s population from around 100 to approximately 7,000.

After a 20-year hiatus, the Brook horses returned to this historic property, setting the stage for a potential back-to-back victory.

Last year, Neodium, a South Australian thoroughbred, stormed to victory in the TAB Birdsville Cup, marking the Brook family’s first win in 23 years.

This year, the stakes are even higher as the eight-year-old grey gelding aims to join the elite ranks of only three horses—Monee Lane, Snedden, and Brashleigh—who have won back-to-back Birdsville Cups in the race’s 142-year history.

“Neodium has been well prepared for his Birdsville race—he looks a treat, and we know he handles the Birdsville track. We can’t wait to bring him ‘home’ to Birdsville next week and have a crack at back-to-back,” says Gary Brook, family owner of Neodium and Vice President of the Birdsville Race Club.

“That said, he’s another year older, and only three horses have achieved the feat in 142 years, so we know it’s no easy task.”

Listore Park’s recent resurgence is credited to the efforts of young trainer Ryan Hannemann, who took over the reins in November 2023.

Now overseeing a team of more than 30 horses, Hannemann has worked tirelessly to prepare Neodium and the other horses for the challenging conditions of Birdsville.

“The Adelaide Hills might not seem like the ideal place to prepare for the hot, dusty conditions of Birdsville, but history shows it works,” Hannemann said.

“We’ve tailored our training to ensure the horses are in peak condition when they head north.”

Neodium, who has been based at Morphettville alongside his best mate Trumpsta, has reportedly thrived in his preparation.

According to Tommy Stokes, head of the Morphettville stable, the strong bond between the two horses has been a key part of their success.

“These two love each other and hate to be apart. Travelling up together keeps them calm and focused,” he said.

The 2024 TAB Birdsville Cup will run on September 7, and with South Australia’s hopes resting on Neodium, the excitement is building for what promises to be a thrilling event.