QTOA Chairman's Report - October 2026

Dear Members / Owners,

Thank you to all owners who have taken the time to complete our 2026 Owners Survey. Your feedback will help the QTOA better understand the issues that matter most to Queensland owners and ensure your experiences and priorities inform our advocacy.

If you haven’t yet participated, I encourage you to have your say before the survey closes. We will begin compiling and reviewing the responses in November, so now is the time to ensure your views are included.

The more owners we hear from, the stronger the picture we can present of the challenges and opportunities facing ownership in Queensland. Whether you own a small share in your first horse or have been involved in racing for decades, your perspective matters.

Please take a few minutes to complete the survey and encourage your fellow owners to do the same. Thank you for helping us build a stronger voice for Queensland owners.

Plus everyone that completes the survey goes into the draw to win a night’s accommodation in a Premier Room at Novotel Brisbane Airport, including buffet breakfast for two, or a double hospitality pass to Magic Millions Gold Raceday in January thanks to Racing Queensland.

CLICK HERE to complete the QTOA Owners Survey today and help shape our priorities for the year ahead.

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Summer Carnival preparations gather pace

As the industry prepares for the Queensland Summer Racing Carnival, owners have plenty to look forward to including a new night racing series.

Beginning with the Mooloolaba Cup meeting at the Sunshine Coast on November 21, the nine-week carnival will offer more than $28 million in prizemoney and bonuses, with 23 black-type races leading into January’s Magic Millions features.

A new initiative is the Summer Scorcher Series, which will bring eight night meetings to the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast between November 13 and January 22.

Standard races will carry enhanced prizemoney of $33,000 to $35,000, while selected short-course races will offer performance bonuses of up to $20,000 for winners who better prescribed benchmark times. Owners will receive 75 per cent of these bonuses.

Providing more opportunities for owners to race for improved returns is a welcome focus.

The series also presents an opportunity to attract racegoers to an evening at the track and build interest in Queensland racing throughout summer.

We wish all owners and their trainers well as they prepare their horses for the months ahead and look forward to seeing our members enjoy success across the carnival.

The Next Lap update and looking ahead to 2027

The Queensland Government’s latest update on The Next Lap outlines several initiatives planned for 2027 as implementation of the industry reform plan continues.

Of particular interest to thoroughbred owners will be the commencement of the Racing Future Fund, backed by a $200 million commitment to racing infrastructure.

The 2027 program also includes demolition of Eagle Farm’s John Power Stand ahead of its redevelopment, as well as trials of a ‘Hub and Spoke’ model for regional clubs.

Work will also continue on proposed governance reforms bringing Racing Queensland and QRIC functions into a single statutory organisation, with independent integrity and animal welfare oversight. These changes remain subject to consultation and the parliamentary process.

As these initiatives progress, it is important that owners have a voice in shaping their implementation. Our Owners Survey will help inform the priorities we put forward, reinforcing the importance of having your say before it closes.

Ben Mannion

QTOA Chairman

Queensland Thoroughbred Owners Association

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