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QTOA Chairman's Report: August 2024


Dear Members,


As referenced in our previous newsletter, the matter of Thoroughbred Owners Associations gaining access to the racehorse owners database housed with Racing Australia was considered at the Racing Australia board meeting.


Disappointingly, our proposal was not approved. However all is not lost as I am advised that the Board will reconsider the proposal after further investigation of issues around privacy legislation.


Hopefully this investigation will be conducted in a timely manner and give no reason for further delay of this very important initiative designed to strengthen cohesion in our industry.


I will meet again with Jason Scott, CEO of Racing Queensland and Graham Quirk, the Queensland representative on the Racing Australia board, as soon as practicable to ensure this matter remains current.


RACING INDUSTRY DRIVES ECONOMY


Racing Queensland has published a report detailing the size and scope of the Queensland Racing Industry.


In the 22/23 year the Queensland racing industry was responsible for generating more than $2.4 Billion in value added contribution to the Queensland economy. This is driven by almost 16,000 full time employee equivalent jobs both directly and indirectly employed.


So apart from the shared joy of thoroughbred ownership we are directly contributing to a significant economic driver for the State. Harking back to the issue of being able to have simplified centralized communication with the complete ownership base it can only be beneficial to the growth and development of our industry that the regulatory bodies remove impediments to strong communication and participation


The full report can be accessed HERE



QTIS PROPOSAL UPDATE


In June, the QTOA wrote to Racing Queensland with a proposal regarding the reallocation of QTIS funding to assist with ownership in regional Queensland.


In consultation with QTOA committee members from Central and North Queensland, Dianne Ouston and John Horan, we presented a proposal based on research into the rising cost of ownership in regional Queensland and the disparity with prizemoney levels.


The proposal included some important data on the costs associated with racing horses in various areas and recommended ways in which QTIS prizemoney that is not being utilised in some regions could perhaps be better allocated in others.


We have been advised by RQ that our proposal will be presented at the forefront of an upcoming meeting with the major breeders (TBQA) where general industry and breeding related matters will be discussed.


We hope to have an update on this next month.



FIRST SEASON SIRES SHOWCASED


First season sires and other top stallions were showcased at the 2024 Queensland Stallion Parade on Sunday, August 18, powered by Ladbrokes Racing Club.


Proudly supported by Racing Queensland, the QTOA and Thoroughbred Breeders the event offered an exclusive opportunity to explore some of the region's premier thoroughbred nurseries including: 


  • Clear Mountain Fairview: Participants were introduced to Alpine Edge (NEW), alongside Love Conquers All and Worthy Cause

  • Eureka Stud: The tour featured the impressive Don Corleone (NEW), Encryption, and Spirit of Boom.

  • Telemon Thoroughbreds: Attendees viewed Red Resistance (NEW), The Odyssey, Sidestep, Jungle Cat, and Sun City.

  • Aquis Stallions: The group had the opportunity to see the American Stallion Officiating (NEW), Stronger, Invader, Glenfiddich, The Mission, Jonker, Lean Mean Machine, and Kobayashi.


Guests enjoyed a stop at The Bull & Barley Inn in Cambooya for a delightful lunch, rounding off a day filled with exciting insights into the future stars of Queensland's breeding industry.



QLD PREPARES FOR INDUSTRY AWARDS


QTOA was recently invited by RQ to vote in the selection of the winners for the upcoming Queensland Thoroughbred Awards night to be held at the Star Brisbane on Sunday, September 22.


We are grateful for this opportunity and hope that next year, with more time and coordination, we can put the vote to the entire membership base.


A successful, vibrant industry should have a memorable and prestigious event recognising and celebrating outstanding achievement and we hope that QTOA will play an increasing role in this going forward.


Tickets for this year's awards night can be purchases HERE


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