Ipswich Cup Day returns in June with Winter Carnival boost Jockey Blake Shinn rides Man Booker to victory in the Eye Liner Stakes, on 2019 Ipswich Cup Day. Picture: AAP Image/Albert Perez Horses 19th Feb 2021 11:10 AM THE city's biggest social and racing event of the year, the Ipswich Cup, is scheduled to return on June 19, as part of a new-look Queensland Winter Racing Carnival. Staged over 10 Saturdays, the 2021 Winter Carnival has received a prize money increase to $20.5 million - a $2 million uplift from its 2019 counterpart. The carnival will feature 53 black-type races including eight Group 1s. Meetings will be hosted by the Brisbane Racing Club, along with the Gold Coast, Ipswich, Tattersalls and the Sunshine Coast from May 1 to July 3.