In
a massive win for owners, breeders and trainers in Queensland, the popular
Queensland Thoroughbred Incentive Scheme (QTIS) will remain virtually
unchanged.
The Thoroughbred Breeders Queensland Association (TBQA) welcomes the decision
by RQ to maintain the scheme with the key components remaining.
QTIS OUTLINED:
• All 2YO and 3YO QTIS races conducted within Qld will carry the full QTIS
bonuses of $35,000, $12,000, $10,000 and $5,000 for their respective meetings. This means that Saturday metropolitan racing in
Queensland will be amongst the most rewarding in the country; with colts and
geldings eligible to claim prizemoney of almost $63,000 for winning whilst
fillies will be racing for a winners cheque of over $75,000 every single week.
• FILLIES BONUS provides the winning 2YO and
3YO fillies with a 50% increase to all standard QTIS bonuses. This is
applicable on all QTIS races and for the winner and both placegetters.
• BREEDERS BONUS - Breeders will receive an equivalent of 6 per cent of the
winner's QTIS bonus for all QTIS races in Queensland for progeny of Qld based
stallions. This is applicable to 2YO and 3YO racing and will include the
progeny of every Queensland based stallion. This is another boost to the industry, as the Breeders Bonus is no longer restricted to
only nominated stallions. It is now open to every Queensland stallion.
The loss of QTIS bonuses on 4yo racing will have
a very minimal impact, as this was previously on only a handful of selected 4yo
races and the loss of restricted QTIS races will also affect a relatively small
number as there were only 11 of these programmed annually.
"I applaud this decision by Racing Queensland and CEO Ian Hall, and I am
thrilled that they are demonstrating support for our industry," said TBQA
President, Basil Nolan.
"We thank them for listening to our case, and maintaining a strong foundation
to grow racing in Queensland."
Mr Hall told the TBQA that RQ shares our view that the QTIS scheme is a key driver, not only to
maintain breeders in the state, but also to encourage ownership of Queensland
horses for increased returns.
"This positive announcement could not
have come at a better time, as we head into the QTIS sale," said Mr Nolan.
"Once again there are plenty of good reasons to invest in a Queensland horse."
Mr Nolan also wants to thank TBQA Committee member, Glenlogan Park's Steve
Morley for the role he played in negotiating this deal.
"Steve has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure QTIS was maintained
for the good of our racing industry," said Mr Nolan.
"I have no doubt that without his persistence and astute business and racing
knowledge, QTIS would have fallen through. We should all be grateful for his
efforts."
The TBQA hopes that everyone in the industry can walk with a spring in their
step once again, and we can all look forward to a very positive March Magic
Millions Sale with over 400 top quality QTIS yearlings to go under the hammer.
TBQA Release