QTOA Chairman's Report - July 2025

Dear Members,

Representatives from the QTOA attended a key meeting with Racing Queensland and stakeholders last week to discuss important industry matters.

It was a constructive and in-depth forum, and I’m pleased to report that QTOA continues to be a strong voice at the table, ensuring that the interests of our members are heard on key issues shaping our industry.

Racing Review


One of the central items of discussion was the ongoing Racing Review being conducted by Chair Matthew McGrath and his team.

Racing Queensland provided an update on the review’s scope and progress, with final recommendations likely to be put forward to State Government in September.

We have reiterated the importance of genuine consultation and transparency as the process moves forward.

The Queensland Thoroughbred Alliance - representing owners, trainers and breeders - recently wrote to Racing Minister Tim Mander asking for the opportunity to be consulted on any recommendations prior to implementation.

Wagering Trends

We also received a detailed briefing on the state of wagering, including current market performance and trends.

While wagering revenue is still down overall, Racing Queensland observed some green shoots throughout the Queensland Winter racing carnival.

Wagering revenue was also adversely affected by the impacts of Cyclone Alfred along with other weather events throughout the year which reduced the number of races, however, Racing Queensland has forecast that increases in wagering will occur into the new Racing season with more favourable weather meaning less impacts to the schedule.

From a race schedule perspective, Racing Queensland presented data which shows clear wagering peaks around late into the afternoon and early evening time slots. Racing Queensland will be making this a focus moving forward whilst managing challenges associated with the needs of clubs as well as fatigue for participants.

Racing Queensland have also committed to making changes to the release of race programming moving forward, with a desire to have programs released further in advance which will benefit the industry and all participants.

WorkCover Levy and Insurance Costs

Since the introduction of the 1% WorkCover Levy in prizemoney, Racing Queensland presented data which showed important gains that have been made in reducing the number of claims as well as the number of days of claims through better education and management.

Whilst these gains are encouraging, the challenge the industry faces due to one sole provider of WorkCover in Queensland which operates under five-year cycles means that we may not see the benefits of this work in the form of reduced premiums for a number of years.

As mentioned in recent months, we will continue to discuss the 1% WorkCover Levy with Racing Queensland and the need for a more palatable solution for all stakeholders into the future rather than a long-term continuation of the levy on prize money.

Equine Welfare

Animal welfare remains a core focus across the industry, and it was reassuring to see continued investment and attention in this area.

The industry has made positive progress across various initiatives which have been introduced in recent years.

This of course has been possible due to funds raised through the 1% Equine Welfare Levy on prizemoney pools less than $250,000 and 5% for pools $250,000 and higher.

However, there are continued challenges for our industry with the ongoing reliance on the equestrian and showing community to be taking in horses off the track as well as the strain that the online sale of interstate horses places on our state in regards to rehoming.

The industry is committed to equine welfare and it a topic that needs buy-in from all stakeholders.

In closing, we thank Racing Queensland for facilitating the meeting and all parties for their engagement.

It’s clear that we are in a period of change, but also of opportunity. The QTOA will continue to play a proactive role in representing the interests of owners as these conversations evolve.