QTOA Chairman's Report - December 2025

Dear Members,

The Queensland Thoroughbred Owners Association welcomes the Queensland Government’s release of The Next Lap: A plan for the future of Queensland racing, marking the conclusion of a long-awaited review process and the beginning of a new phase for our industry.

For participants, and particularly owners, this review has been closely watched. With the Government’s response now clearly articulated, the focus must shift from consultation and review to delivery and implementation. We look forward to Racing Queensland being empowered to get on with the job of administering and growing the industry under a more stable and clearly defined framework, and QTOA stands ready to play an active and constructive role in that process.

Prizemoney Certainty – A Critical Outcome for Owners

QTOA is pleased that the Government has committed to maintaining current prizemoney levels, providing much-needed certainty for owners and participants. Prizemoney underpins confidence in ownership, investment decisions, and the long-term sustainability of the racing industry. This commitment recognises that owners are the financial engine of the sport and that stability in returns is essential if participation levels are to be maintained and grown. Maintaining prizemoney levels was one of the most important points we made in our submission as part of the racing review.

Governance Reform and ‘Skin in the Game’ Representation

A key outcome of The Next Lap that QTOA strongly supports is the intention to reform the Racing Queensland Board to allow for greater representation from industry stakeholders who have genuine “skin in the game.” Owners, along with other active participants, bring lived experience, commercial understanding, and long-term commitment to the sport. Legislative changes that allow such voices to be represented at board level are an important step towards more informed and balanced decision-making. This was another of our key recommendations as part of our submission.

Support for Streamlined Structures and Cost Efficiency

The QTOA also supports efforts to streamline costs and reduce duplication across the industry. If the proposed hybrid Racing Queensland / QRIC model can deliver improved efficiency, clearer accountability, and reduced administrative overheads, then this can only be a positive outcome for participants.

However, our support is firmly conditional on integrity being enhanced, not diminished. Integrity remains fundamental to owner confidence, wagering trust, and public perception of the sport. Any structural change must strengthen integrity outcomes while delivering efficiencies, and we will continue to closely monitor how this model is implemented in practice.

Long-Term Investment and Industry Stability

The broader elements of The Next Lap, including long-term planning, infrastructure investment, and a future-focused funding framework, provide a foundation for sustainable growth across metropolitan, provincial, and regional racing. Owners want to see a system that supports strong racing opportunities, viable pathways, and facilities that reflect the economic and social importance of the industry to Queensland.

From Review to Action

This plan has been a long time coming. Now that it has been released, it is critical that momentum is maintained and that the industry moves decisively from review to action. The QTOA looks forward to working collaboratively with the Queensland Government, Racing Queensland, QRIC, and fellow industry bodies as the detailed implementation phase unfolds.

As the representative body for thoroughbred owners in Queensland, we will continue to advocate strongly for policies that protect owner investment, support participation, and contribute to a healthy, transparent, and sustainable racing industry.

We welcome the opportunity to play an active role in shaping the next chapter of Queensland racing and ensuring that The Next Lap delivers meaningful outcomes for those who underpin the sport.

On behalf of the QTOA, we wish all our members and owners a safe and happy festive season.