Dear Members,
With Christmas and the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale just around the corner, an anecdote from a friend in the industry acted as a timely reminder about the joy ownership can bring.
There are many and varied reasons why we choose to join in ownership of a racehorse. Overwhelmingly I think the primary motivation is to experience the thrill of having a winning racehorse and sharing that joy with family and friends. Naming of the horse is often the subject of much thought and can be evocative of some person, place or experience important to the ownership group.
An anecdote recently recounted to me by a friend in the industry captures beautifully how powerful a bond racehorse ownership can be among a group of friends and like-minded people.
The story begins in horrible circumstances wherein parents suffer the unbearable loss of their child. One of the parents, a police officer, had in the course of his career provided counsel and comfort to parents in similar awful circumstances. Determined not to let their daughter’s life be completely extinguished, the parents decided to donate their child’s organs, the outcome of that decision was that the chance to live was gifted to several other desperate families of profoundly ill children.
To further celebrate her young life, work colleagues and friends of the parents decided to buy a racehorse and name the horse for the child. The group shared the joy of racing the horse, celebrating the child’s memory and the gift of life that flowed to others.
The horse was eventually retired to be a broodmare. While at stud, another mare in late stage pregnancy required an urgent blood transfusion. Circumstances were such that the only possible donor for the transfusion was the ownership group’s mare. Immediate consent was given for the transfusion and the mare and her foal were saved. A horse acquired by its owners to celebrate and remember a young life and the gift of life had again gifted life to another.
When we see the unbridled joy of owners having won a race, in the country or city, for high stakes or very little, we can wonder what the back story is to the ownership of the horse. It can often be a beautiful thing and is particularly relevant as we gather together with family and friends at this time of year.
Wishing everyone a safe and happy Christmas.
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MAGIC MILLIONS OWNERS AND TRAINERS PRECINCT
The QTOA has received information about the Owners and Trainers Precinct which will be on offer for owners over the course of the two-week Magic Millions carnival.
Provided by The Gold Coast Turf Club and Racing Queensland, the owners marquee will be available for owners and trainers to enjoy across both Magic Millions Gold Twilight Meeting on January 4 and The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Raceday on January 11.
This year's marquee will feature:
Expanded air-conditioned marquee with both internal, patio and garden
non-reserved seating
One complimentary drink voucher (provided on collection of tickets)
Complimentary charcuterie platters served throughout the day
Private bar for drink purchases only accessible to owners and trainers
Internal TAB facility
LED big screen for race viewing
We recommend arriving early on raceday to take advantage of the Owners
and Trainers Precinct.
For further information information in relation to ticketing
collection times and guest pass entitlements, CLICK HERE
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THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR IN 2025
As we enter the new year, the QTOA is hoping to have some further clarity from Racing Queensland in relation to our ongoing campaigning for enhanced QTIS prizemoney levels in Central and North Queensland, as well as a meeting with new State Racing Minister Tim Mander.
On the QTIS prizemoney front, Racing Queensland are working on some initiatives that are set to be programmed from February onwards and we hope to have further information on these in our next newsletter.
The QTOA will continue to push for enhanced prizemoney returns to assist with the cost of training and owning thoroughbreds in these areas.
With newly elected Racing Minister Tim Mander getting his feet under the desk, the QTOA is hopeful of a meeting with him via the Thoroughbred Alliance (Owners, Trainers and Breeders) 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.Newly elected Racing Minister Tim Mander.
We look forward to meeting with Mander and discussing plans for the future.