Dear Members,
The strength of the Queensland racing industry was on show for all to see this month, both on the track and in the breeding barn.
The feats of KNIGHTS CHOICE in claiming the Melbourne Cup for Queensland trainers Sheila Laxon and John Symons and jockey Robbie Dolan provided a timely reminder of hope for anyone and everyone in the racing industry, big or small.
It also highlights the strength of the Queensland Winter Carnival form with the Melbourne Cup winner coming out of the Q22 for a second successive year, as well as the likes of ANTINO also showing his wears on the big stage throughout the Spring Carnival.
The Queensland breeding industry was also on show last week with Queensland bred PORT LOCKROY (Better Than Ready x Freezethemillions) - a full brother to new first season sire ALPINE EDGE - winning the Railway Stakes in Perth.
It was a huge result for Yarramalong Park founders Richard and Joanie Foster, who bred the horse from their homebred mare Freezethemillions (Freeze) by Lyndhurst Stud’s Better Than Ready, who they also part own.
Congratulations to all involved!
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QTIS INCREASES LIKELY FOR CENTRAL AND NORTH QLD
Enhancements to QTIS prizemoney levels in Central and North Queensland are looking increasingly likely following our recent proposal on the matter to Racing Queensland.
Racing Queensland have told us they are close to finalising some new modelling to assist in these areas and we eagerly await the outcome of that.
The issue is a timely one for racing in these regions following on from reports of more than one Central and North QLD trainer looking to other jurisdictions as well as race meetings sometimes being met with poorly supported fields.
The QTOA will continue to push for enhanced prizemoney returns to assist with the cost of training and owning thoroughbreds.
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NEW RACING MINISTER FOR QLD
Following on from the recent State election, the QTOA is looking forward to working with newly elected Racing Minister Tim Mander.
The QTOA has requested to meet with Mander via the Thoroughbred Alliance to discuss some of the key topics and issues facing the industry, along with gaining an understanding of the new Government’s view on racing.
What we do know already is that there will be a large scale review of the Racing industry as part of the newly elected Government’s charter letter which included the below key deliverables:
Deliver a comprehensive, independent review of Queensland's racing industry.
Support the financial sustainability and integrity of the racing sector.
Work to deliver modern and fit for purpose racing infrastructure in every part of the State.
Ensure the ongoing viability and success of country racing which is the fabric of many rural Queensland towns.
Work collaboratively with stakeholders to ensure a commitment to the care and welfare of racing animals is a priority.
This review comes on top of the independent review of QRIC by the former government, which we have been informed won’t be released publicly due to cabinet in confidence.
Despite that, in a recent meeting QTOA attended with the new senior QRIC management team, we were informed that some of the findings of the review will be, or have already been, utilised to help shape the short term future of the organisation.
We look forward to meeting with Mander and discussing plans for the future.
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Don’t miss out on your chance to win a double double pass to the QTOA Summer Soirée in the Ladbrokes Lounge at Eagle Farm on Grand Prix Stakes Day on December 14.
Enter before December 2 to win a double pass including a complimentary food and beverage package, courtesy of our friends at Ladbrokes.
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