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 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 discuss proposed changes.
As a result, RQ has confirmed a revised QTIS structure starting from July 1, 2016. Features of the new structure are:
- QTIS bonuses on 2YO and 3YO racing to remain at current levels;
- The six percent 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 QTIS amendments, which have the full support of all stakeholders, allow Racing Queensland to reduce expenditure associated with the program as identified in the TTS Plan, whilst maintaining 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,” he said
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 percent bonus for QTIS eligible fillies means two-year-old and three-year-old fillies will be racing for a winner’s cheque of more than $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 from March 21-22.
QTBA president Basil Nolan said it was a major win for Queensland’s racing and breeding industry.
“We’re very happy and grateful that Racing Queensland and the Queensland Government have listened to our concerns about QTIS. 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,” he said
RQ proposes day/night racing
INTRODUCTION of extended day/night race meetings at the Sunshine Coast and the return to Tuesday racing are the features of a draft 2016-17 TAB race dates calendar tabled by Racing Queensland for industry feedback.
The draft schedule – sent to TAB Thoroughbred race clubs throughout Queensland for submissions – is focused on maximising wagering returns in accordance with Racing Queensland’s Tracking Towards Sustainability Plan.
The draft schedule proposes the introduction of extended 12-race day/night race meetings to be held at the Sunshine Coast on Wednesdays or Fridays, while a designated Queensland Thoroughbred meeting every Tuesday will ensure the delivery of racing product is lengthened from five to six days per week.
The return to Tuesday racing, for the first time in two seasons, is expected to generate an increase in turnover of around seven percent and also brings Queensland closer in line with southern states which reap the benefit of racing seven days per week.
“This draft racing schedule has been designed to enhance wagering opportunities and therefore generate higher returns for the industry as a whole,’’ said Racing Queensland Racing Operations Manager Ross Gove.
“Southern states race seven days a week and reap the benefit of attracting Queensland punters to their product. Introduction of midweek day/night racing at the Sunshine Coast is aimed at delivering additional wagering opportunities on top of those which already exist, with the additional night component to a Wednesday or Friday race meeting.
“Tuesday racing has been placed in regional Queensland to provide increased prizemoney opportunities to regional trainers, jockeys and owners. Racing Queensland will collate the feedback from race clubs and also seek input from wagering partners and SKY Channel before finalising the 2016/17 racing schedule in the coming weeks,” he said.
