QTOA Chairman's Report - April 2026

Dear Members, 

I am honoured to have accepted the role of Interim Chairman of the Queensland Thoroughbred Owners Association following Gary Cunningham’s appointment to the Racing Queensland Board.

Firstly, I would like to acknowledge Gary’s outstanding contribution to QTOA during his time as Chairman. Gary has been a strong and passionate advocate for owners, particularly throughout the Racing Review process where the QTOA worked tirelessly to ensure the voice of owners was heard on matters such as prizemoney stability and governance reform.

On behalf of the Board and our members, I thank Gary for his leadership and wish him every success in his new role on the Racing Queensland Board.

The QTOA will meet as a committee at the upcoming AGM to be held at the Gold Coast Turf Club on Thursday, May 14. Current QTOA Financial Members have been sent an email directly with information on the AGM as well as a committee nomination form.

While stepping into the role on an interim basis, I do so with a clear commitment to continue QTOA’s strong advocacy for owners and to ensure our members remain represented on the issues that matter most.

Recently, QTOA attended a Racing Queensland Stakeholder Meeting where participants were provided with an industry update from Racing Queensland Chairman Matt McGrath and had the opportunity to discuss a range of current industry matters. These forums are important in ensuring stakeholder voices are heard and that open dialogue continues as the industry navigates both challenges and opportunities.

A key priority raised by QTOA, in partnership with the Australian Trainers’ Association, was the urgent need for industry support in response to the ongoing fuel cost crisis. Rising transport and travel expenses continue to place significant pressure on trainers and owners alike, particularly those based in regional areas who are required to travel considerable distances to race their horses.

Queensland participants have watched other jurisdictions move to provide targeted relief packages, while local pressures continue to mount. QTOA made it clear at the stakeholder briefing that these increasing costs could begin to impact the viability of attending race meetings and, in turn, owner participation and confidence in the industry.

We also support further consultation with regional stakeholders to better understand the full extent of the burden being carried by participants, particularly those competing at Non-TAB meetings. Exploring practical measures to maintain attendance, participation and viability at these important meetings is critical to the health of country racing and the broader Queensland racing ecosystem.

Owners are the financial backbone of our sport, and maintaining confidence in ownership remains central to a strong future for racing in this state. QTOA will continue to advocate strongly for sensible and practical solutions that support participants during this challenging period.

I look forward to working with our Board, members and industry stakeholders over the coming months and to continuing the important work of ensuring owners have a strong and respected voice in Queensland racing.

Ben Mannion

Interim Chairman

Queensland Thoroughbred Owners Association

If any QTOA Financial Members would like to nominate for a position on the QTOA Board, please email QTOA CEO Adam Gardini via ceo@qtoa.com.au ahead of our Annual General Meeting on May 14 .

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