Queensland finalists confirmed for QOTT Cup

The Queensland finalists for next year’s Queensland Off-The-Track Cup Final have been confirmed.

The third annual Final will be held on Sunday, January 11, 2026 at Doug Jennings Park on the Gold Coast as part of the Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo & Showjumping.

Magic Millions co-owner Katie Page-Harvey and QOTT Chair Dr Christine Johnson congratulated the finalists from the QOTT Queensland qualifier and confirmed the remaining interstate qualification dates including the inaugural South Australian qualifier.

The QOTT Queensland qualifier in Caboolture in June attracted 33 competitors, with the top 10 advancing to the Final.

It was Nicolas Gillard and Red Right Out who finished on top on the day.

“It’s a real honour to take out the Queensland Qualifier with Red Right Out. We’ve been working towards this for the past three years,”  Gillard said.

“Huge thanks to Racing Queensland and Magic Millions for their continued support of the Queensland Off-The-Track Program – it’s so inspiring to see these horses thrive in their second careers.

“I’m really excited to prepare for the Magic Millions QOTT Cup Final in January."

QOTT Acknowledged Retrainer Danielle Hess and former galloper Lockheed Lightning finished 15th in this year's Final on the Gold Coast.

Determined to climb up the standings next year, Danielle and Lockheed Lightning finished ninth at Caboolture, booking their spot at the 2026 event on the Gold Coast.

Danielle said the increase in the prize money pool to $100,000 was also providing plenty of motivation.

"It's really, really exciting. I think that sort of money, it is life changing for a lot of us, especially who are doing it full time as our living," Danielle said.

"That sort of money can go into supporting thoroughbreds even more. And I'm just so excited that we get to be part of it, it's just an absolute pleasure."

The 2026 Magic Millions QOTT Cup Final qualifiers now move to South Australia, with Mallala SJC Show hosting the qualifier on Sunday, August 10.

The Victorian qualifier will be held at the Boneo Park World Cup on Sunday, October 5 before the final qualifier in New South Wales on Sunday, December 14 at the Sydney Summer Classic.

The top four finalists from both the NSW and Victorian qualifiers and the top two finalists from the South Australian qualifier will qualify for the Final.

Congratulations to the following talented partnerships that have qualified to compete at the QOTT Cup Final:

1. Nicolas Gillard - Red Right Out (Red Right Out)

2. Kylie Zabel - Maverick 3MC (All About Rhyming)

3. Hugh Buchanan - Its Bandito (Irish Bandit)

4. Holly Taunton - Chicago TS (The Big Eater)

5. Zoe Carlsson - Jungle Storm (Jungle Storm)

6. Wayne Crompton - Double Impact (Double Impact)

7. Sarah Weiss - Fifth Element (Way Of Being)

8. Zara Wyatt - Lincolnfield Latte (Jacaranda Boy)

9. Danielle Hess - Lockheed Lightning (Lockheed Lightning)

10. Kelly Slater-Healey - SS Graphite (Knight Star)