Birdsville to aid farmers

QUEENSLAND’S famous Birdsville Cup carnival will be telecast Australia-wide for the first time with half of the wagering proceeds going to the drought appeal.

New telecasting and betting technology will transform the 136-year-old carnival on August 31 and September 1, with Sky Racing to telecast both days.

About 7000 punters hit Birdsville for the tiny town’s race carnival each year.