QTOA Chairman's Report - August 2026

Dear Members,

One of QTOA’s most important responsibilities is to ensure the views of Queensland’s thoroughbred owners are heard by the industry’s decision-makers.

Over recent months, we have continued to advocate on a range of issues directly affecting owners, including the rising cost of ownership, industry levies being placed on prizemoney, ASIC guidelines on racehorse syndication and initiatives aimed at improving field sizes and wagering confidence.

As Queensland racing enters a period of change with the implementation of the Next Lap plan, it is vital that our advocacy continues to be informed by the experiences, concerns and priorities of owners across the state.

While QTOA’s committee members speak regularly with owners, trainers, industry participants and administrators, we also recognise the importance of providing the broader ownership community with a formal opportunity to have its say.

For that reason, QTOA will launch an important survey of Queensland Owners next month.

The survey will seek feedback on the current state of thoroughbred racing in Queensland and the issues that matter most to owners. It will cover areas including confidence in the industry, prizemoney, the cost of ownership, race programming, integrity and regulation, the race-day experience and QTOA’s future advocacy priorities.

The information gathered will help QTOA better understand where owners believe the industry is performing well, where improvements are required and which issues should receive the greatest attention into the future.

Importantly, the results will also provide QTOA with valuable evidence when engaging with Racing Queensland, the Queensland Government and other key industry bodies. The stronger the response from owners, the stronger our mandate will be when representing your interests.

Further details and a link to participate will be distributed in September. We look forward to hearing from all owners.

QTIS STRUCTURE ON AGENDA

Earlier this month, The QTOA attended an important meeting with members of Thoroughbred Breeders Queensland Association (TBQA) and Racing Queensland to discuss the industry’s response to Recommendations 65-68 of the Racing Review relating to the QTIS Scheme.

The meeting proved to be a productive discussion around some important matters including benefits the scheme provides to many stakeholders including owners, breeders and trainers.

Whilst RQ will report back to stakeholders with a structured implementation plan moving forward, one element that is set to be reintroduced is the QTIS payment which has not been in place since COVID.

The group discussed that for ease of implementation, a once off payment model - made by breeders for eligible QTIS horses – would prove most effective.

We will keep owners updated in relation to future changes to the QTIS Scheme.

AWARD WINNERS SHINE ON THE BIG STAGE

Finally, congratulations to all those from the industry that received awards at the 2026 Queensland Thoroughbred Awards at The Star Brisbane yesterday.

It was a great opportunity for the industry to come together and celebrate many of the successes stories of the past season.

The Hall of Fame award presentations and some of the acceptance speeches were a clear highlight.

Well done to all. The full list of award winners can be found here: https://www.racingqueensland.com.au/news/2026/08-august/spicy-martini-named-queensland-horse-of-the-year

Ben Mannion

QTOA Chairman

Queensland Thoroughbred Owners Association

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