Big win for Queensland breeders as QTIS incentives stay

Racing Minister Grace Grace has welcomed Racing Queensland’s decision to retain the key features of the Queensland Thoroughbred Incentive Scheme (QTIS).

Ms Grace said the decision was a win for the Queensland breeding industry.

“Queensland breeders have welcomed this decision as a big win for the State’s thoroughbred industry,” she said.

“They’ve said loud and clear that the revised QTIS is the best scheme of its kind in Australia.

“The Palaszczuk Government is a great supporter of Queensland racing and we’ve shown we’re prepared to listen to the industry.”

Following the release of the Tracking Towards Sustainability Plan, the Palaszczuk Government along with Racing Queensland consulted with key stakeholders to discuss proposed changes to QTIS.

These included the Queensland Thoroughbred Breeders Association (QTBA), the Queensland Racehorse Owners’ Association (QROA), the Queensland Trainers’ Association (QTA) and the Australian Trainers’ Association (ATA).

“We’re working closely with breeders, owners and other stakeholders to create a stronger and more sustainable racing industry in Queensland,” Ms Grace said.

“I’m confident QTIS will continue to set the standard in Australia and that it will serve Queensland owners and breeders well into the future.”

Queensland Thoroughbred Breeders Association (QTBA) President Basil Nolan has hailed the revised QTIS scheme as 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,’’ Mr Nolan said.

“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.”

Background:

Racing Queensland’s revised QTIS structure, which will be applicable from July 1, 2016 is 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.

Media Contact: Martin Philip 0427 919 548