QTOA Chairman's Report - September 2026

Dear Members/Owners,

The QTOA is excited to launch our 2026 Owners Survey as we seek important feedback from owners on the issues that matter most to you.

The survey covers a range of different topics from prizemoney and the cost of ownership to race programming, integrity and the experience of attending the races.

Your responses will help us set our advocacy priorities and give us stronger evidence when we speak with Racing Queensland and race clubs about the changes owners want to see.

It should take around 6-8 minutes to complete. Whether you own a small share in one horse or have been involved for many years, your perspective is valuable. We want to hear what is working well, where the frustrations lie and what would make ownership more rewarding.

As a thank you, owners who complete the survey go in 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.

I encourage every Queensland owner to take part and to share the survey with fellow owners. The more responses we receive, the clearer the picture we can present on your behalf.

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

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POSITIVE INITIATIVES LEADING INTO SUMMER

Off the back of a successful Winter Carnival which delivered positive wagering returns for the industry, it is encouraging to see initiatives that will create more opportunities for owners across Queensland.

Racing Queensland has announced an expanded pathway for two-year-olds targeting the 2027 Magic Millions, with seven juvenile feature races offering a combined $1.3 million in prizemoney during the Summer Carnival. The programme includes a new $150,000 race at the Sunshine Coast in November and additional opportunities through to Magic Millions Gold Raceday.

There is positive news for regional owners, too. Prizemoney for the 2027 Northern Queensland Winter Racing Carnival will rise to almost $3.5 million. The Rockhampton, Mackay, Townsville and Cairns Cups will each be worth $200,000, while the four Guineas races will increase to $100,000 apiece. These increases give owners more reason to target the carnival and support racing across Central and North Queensland.

From November, increased prizemoney is also planned for Thursday and Friday night meetings at the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast under a new “premium provincial” level. Standard races will be worth $33,000 and maidens $35,000, with the opportunity for one $50,000 feature race at each meeting. This is in line with RQ’s stronger focus on racing under lights at both venues to enhance wagering outcomes.

As QTOA continues to advocate for owners admits the rising cost of ownership, these initiatives are welcomed

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EAGLE FARM REDEVELOPMENT UPDATE

The BRC has appointed Woollam Constructions to undertake the removal of the John Power Stand and associated enabling works as part of the broader redevelopment of Eagle Farm.

Preparatory works are now underway, with removal of the John Power Stand scheduled to commence on or after Friday, 2 October 2026. The current construction program is expected to run for approximately seven months, with completion of this stage anticipated by 20 April 2027.

The BRC advises that approved construction hours are 8.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday, with no works scheduled on Saturdays, Sundays or Public Holidays. There will be an increase in construction-related vehicle movements during this period, however Woollam will have appropriate traffic management measures in place to minimise disruption to the surrounding community.

The removal of the John Power Stand is an important step in preparing Eagle Farm for its next generation of facilities.

Ben Mannion

QTOA Chairman

Queensland Thoroughbred Owners Association

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