THE Queensland thoroughbred breeding industry has received a significant boost, with Racing Queensland electing to retain the key components of the existing Queensland Thoroughbred Incentive Scheme (QTIS) into the future.

Following the release of the Tracking Towards Sustainability (TTS) Plan, Racing Queensland consulted with key stakeholders including the Queensland Thoroughbred Breeders Association (QTBA), the Queensland Racehorse Owners’ Association (QROA), the Queensland Trainers’ Association (QTA) and the Australian Trainers’ Association (ATA) to further discuss proposed changes.

As a result, Racing Queensland has confirmed a revised QTIS structure which will be applicable from July 1, 2016. The features of the new structure are as follows:

·        QTIS bonuses on 2YO and 3YO racing to remain at current levels;

·        The 6% Breeders’ bonus to be maintained;

·        QTIS bonuses on black type racing to be discontinued;

·        QTIS bonuses on 4YO racing to be discontinued;

·        Restricted racing will be subject to available funding within the QTIS budget.

The amendments to QTIS, which have the full support of the QTBA, QROA, QTA and ATA, allows Racing Queensland to reduce expenditure associated with the program as identified in the TTS Plan, whilst maintaining the key elements that benefit breeders and owners.

“This is a great example of what can be achieved when various stakeholder groups come together to collaborate on effective solutions,” said Racing Queensland Acting Chief Executive Officer Ian Hall.

“Racing Queensland has successfully worked through these changes with the breeders, owners and trainers, and this solution provides a great result for all concerned.

“It’s pleasing that Racing Queensland has been able to retain the elements of QTIS that breeders, owners and trainers view as being most beneficial, whilst being able to reduce expenditure as is necessary under the current circumstances.”

The retention of the bonuses means that a QTIS colt or gelding is eligible to claim prizemoney of almost $63,000 for winning a Saturday metropolitan race in Queensland, even factoring in prizemoney changes outlined in the Tracking Towards Sustainability Plan which are set to be implemented from April 1, 2016.

The retention of a 50 per cent bonus for QTIS eligible fillies means two-year-old and three-year-old fillies will be racing for a winners cheque of over $75,000 for a Saturday metropolitan race.

The announcement is also set to have a positive impact ahead of the upcoming Magic Millions QTIS Sale to be held at the Gold Coast sales complex at Bundall from March 21-22.

Queensland Thoroughbred Breeders Association (QTBA) President Basil Nolan said it was a major win for the Queensland racing and breeding industry.

“We’re very happy and grateful that Racing Queensland and the Queensland Government has listened to our concerns about QTIS,’’ said Nolan.

“I think everyone will benefit from the retention of QTIS in its present form, as every participant in the racing industry benefits from a scheme like this.

“To have the QTIS prizemoney staying the same is a massive boost for the Queensland industry and I’m sure people will have confidence in the breeding industry going forward.”

The Manager of Queensland’s largest stud, Glenlogan Park’s Steve Morley, said it was important that QTIS could retain its status as offering the best bonuses in Australia. 

“The revised QTIS Plan under the Tracking Towards Sustainability Plan is a massive win for all industry participants within Queensland,’’ said Morley.

“For all intents and purposes on a week-to-week basis, QTIS remains the same and in my opinion, the bonuses on offer are the best in Australia.

“To have 2yo and 3yo fillies running around for such great returns on a week-to-week basis creates the market that breeders need and provides the product that all owners and trainers want.

“The biggest thing for us is to have a scheme that is the best so that breeders can mate horses with confidence, knowing there will be a market for them at the end because owners and trainers want to own QTIS horses.

“Everyone can now go to the March sale with confidence knowing that the QTIS bonuses are set in concrete and are the best in Australia.”