Thoroughbred Breeders Queensland Association

Basil and Di Nolan and the TBQA Committee would like to extend condolences to the family of the late Mr Trevor Alexander. Trevor passed away peacefully on 23 October, 2025 aged 86. Trevor leaves behind his wife, Rhonda, his three children, ten grand-children and one great-great-grandchild. Trevor was a highly respected thoroughbred breeder based in Chinchilla and worked with many notable horses and trainers during his life.

Many of you will have seen recent reporting and commentary regarding the Pattern and the application of black-type guidelines in Australia. TBA recognises the gravity of the current situation for breeders, and we want to reassure you that we are actively engaged with the organisations currently charged with administering the system. Over recent weeks, we have been in regular discussions with the key players involved, emphasising the importance of a clear and well-functioning national Pattern for the benefit of Australian breeders and the wider industry. The current uncertainty highlights the need for clear processes, transparent communication, strong governance and oversight arrangements that give all stakeholders confidence that decisions are being made in the long-term interests of the industry. This includes ensuring the Pattern operates in a way that is consistent with the internationally recognised guidelines overseen by the Asian Pattern Committee (APC), while still allowing for the nuance needed to reflect the unique characteristics of Australia’s highly regarded and idiosyncratic racing and breeding landscape, including races of historic, traditional or cultural importance. TBA also believes there is merit in exploring an independent, industry-wide structure to support this work and help ensure the Pattern is managed in a way that reflects the long-term interests of all participants. TBA’s focus is on helping the industry move towards a practical and constructive resolution as quickly as possible. Breeders, owners, sales companies and international buyers all rely on a system that is transparent, credible and free from unnecessary disruption, and which supports long-term confidence and investment across the industry. We will continue to encourage the cooperation needed to achieve that. We will keep members and state breeding associations updated as this work progresses.

The variety of disciplines on offer in English riding has long provided a suitable pathway for racehorses to transition into their post-racing lives. But it is Western riding that is proving to be a new popular avenue for both thoroughbreds and standardbreds enjoying their off-the-track careers. The growing popularity of Western riding was no more evident than at the recent Cowgirls Gathering event in early October. Having started in 2021, the annual event is held at Kilkivan, west of Gympie, and features classes, clinics, competitions and interactive demonstrations with educators, along with live music and entertainment every night. Cowgirls Gathering Sponsorship Manager Vera Gentner said around 600 people had attended the three-day event over the King’s Birthday long weekend this year. “It’s basically a gathering and celebration of the Aussie cowgirl, and women who like the Western style of riding coming together in a safe space,” Gentner said. “There are so many different things to do, and you don't even have to take a horse, it can be with or without a horse. “Some of the top clinicians from around the country come and do the clinics and the demos and competitions, and it’s just a fabulous atmosphere and a lot of fun.” One event specifically tailored to showcase the potential of off-the-track horses is the popular Race to Ranch competition. The event includes groundwork, trail tasks, ranch-style obstacles, and low-pressure ridden activities, each designed to suit horses at different stages of their re-education journey. It was Sandra Hagan and former galloper Ghabbie who took out this year’s top prize, which included $500 from the Queensland Off-The-Track (QOTT) Program. QOTT Acknowledged Retrainer Alexandra Kelly finished second in the event with Flying Tyrol, while Hagan rounded out the placings with another off-the-track horse in ProGirl. Gentner said the Race to Ranch had been the perfect platform for retired racehorses to show off their new skills. “The participants only get a limited amount of time to show off that they can retrain a retired racehorse for a completely different discipline,” Gentner said. “There are a couple of different events in the Race to Ranch competition where they get to showcase their versatility, and it’s always a fun one to watch. “There's a bit of a freestyle one, a bit of dry work, a bit of mechanical cow, and a bit of an obstacle course called the ranch trail, so it’s awesome to see them getting a new lease on life and showcasing what they can actually do. “I always had that vision in my head of the off-the-tracks being hot and naughty and hard to handle, but they're just cool as cucumbers.” Event organisers are hopeful for a boost in the number of standardbreds entering the 2026 Cowgirls Gathering. The rise in popularity of Western riding, especially through recent TV series like Yellowstone, has seen a rise in participants keen to give the discipline a try. “I'm a Western rider but my daughter years ago used to be in Pony Club and English riding like showjumping and eventing and dressage,” Gentner said. “You saw plenty of retired racehorses there, and that was fantastic, but they're really starting to gain more popularity in the Western world. “I think events like Cowgirls Gathering make people's ears prick up and go ‘Oh wow, I never thought of that for an off-the-track horse,’ and that they’d actually like to give it a go. “So it makes people kind of stand up and take notice, and that's why that event is so popular. “I’ve got quarter horses and they’re obviously a popular breed for the Western shows and in all honesty, I would 100% be considering an off-the-track horse now, just because I've seen with my own eyes how versatile they are through Pony Club and through the western riding that I do.” Gentner said the support from the QOTT Program had proven to be extremely valuable in attracting a new crop of talent. The QOTT Program provided $1000 for the event which was split across the top four finishers in the Race to Ranch event. “It was decent prizemoney which we awarded to the first four place-getters,” Gentner said. “I think it just encourages people to nominate - the shows that I go to, if there is prizemoney involved it might be $25 and it does cost us to keep our horses. “So I think the prizemoney is definitely worthwhile and to have that support from Racing Queensland was just awesome.” Click here to read more about the QOTT Event Sponsorship Program.

The independent Queensland Racing Review 2025 is the most substantial review of Queensland's racing sector in over 25 years, covering all three codes. More than 1,200 stakeholders, owners, trainers, breeders, clubs, racing fans and animal welfare advocates across Queensland gave valuable insight into the industry. Now it's time to look ahead. Join us for the launch of the Queensland Government's response to the Independent Queensland Racing Review. This response reflects the Queensland Government's commitment to fostering a thriving racing industry across every track in the state. Event details Date: Saturday 6 December, 2026 Time: 9am - 10am (arrival from 8.30am) Location: Doomben Racecourse, Brisbane (Vo Rogue Room, second level of the public grandstand) If you had already registered to attend the postponed event, your ticket will automatically move to the new date — there's no need to register again. If you can’t make the new date, please reply to this email to cancel your ticket so someone else can attend. REGISTER HERE

Such is Amanda Benson’s love for all the former racehorses she has retrained, she struggles to single out one that has stood above the rest over the course of her career. And the Dulong-based retrainer could not contain her joy and excitement when speaking about the benefits of the Queensland Off-The-Track (QOTT) Program. Benson was crowned the QOTT Acknowledged Retrainer of the Year at the 2025 Queensland Thoroughbred Awards last month. It was second time lucky for Benson after finishing as runner-up for the award at last year’s ceremony, beating out fellow finalist Gemma Creighton. “It's a huge honour,” Benson said after receiving the trophy at The Star Brisbane. “I just love retraining all these beautiful horses that trainers and owners send me, and it’s a massive honour to win this.” Growing up on a 12,000 acre cattle and wheat property near Goondiwindi, horses have been a huge part of Benson’s life from a very young age through mustering cattle and attending pony club. She achieved her dream of becoming a professional eventing rider after finishing school in 1991, partnering with off-the-track horses from the very start of her career. Moving to the outskirts of Sydney in 2000 to be closer to the bigger competitions, Benson competed up to 4-star level in eventing, while establishing a large and successful equestrian business that provided agistment, horse training and coaching services. The 52-year-old relocated back to the Sunshine Coast Region in 2021, where the QOTT Program caught her eye in 2023. “When I could see what Racing Queensland were doing with the QOTT Acknowledged Retrainers Program, I thought that would be something amazing to get involved in,” Benson said. “And then I looked into it and could see the incredible support that Queensland Off-The-Track and Racing Queensland gives to all the retrainers, and then I started to get involved, and now I can't stop! “There are so many beautiful racehorses, and it's just so nice to find amazing homes for them when they've retired from racing.” Benson has 13 off-the-track horses in her care at the moment, having successfully retrained and rehomed 33 retired racehorses since joining the QOTT Program. The Chris Waller-trained Desert Icon has been one of her biggest success stories. After taking home almost $800,000 in career stakes on the track, the thoroughbred retired from racing at Ipswich last year. The eight-year-old is now kicking goals in dressage and showjumping competitions with his new 13-year-old rider Ruby. Benson said she got the greatest satisfaction from hearing updates about her retrained racehorses. “I love hearing from the new owners when they send photos and videos about the horses that we've sold them,” she said. “Just telling me how much they love their horses and how perfect they are for their new jobs, it’s extremely gratifying. “It's a wonderful thing for racing, and it's just great that life after racing has been promoted for all these horses. “They're bred to be world-class racehorses, and if they can be world-class racehorses, they can excel in any other role like dressage, jumping or camp drafting. “They can just have amazing careers and other lives after racing, so it's very important.” The property Benson shares with husband Brett features top-level equine infrastructure including three floodlit arenas, grassy post and rail yards and five turnout paddocks. The horsewoman was keen to thank the people who had helped her along the journey in the retraining space. “I would love to thank my husband, Brett, who does lots of work at home with fencing, and he has an endless list of jobs,” Benson said. “He has his own earthworks business, but he's also constantly doing my list of jobs (laughs). “Also thanks to a wonderful girl called Amy, who's 16 and has left school, and she comes and helps me every day with the horses and rides them and competes them. “We're a great team, and it would be really difficult without Amy's help.” “Obviously, the more retrainers there are, then the more horses we can all take after they retire from racing, and the more horses we can take in, the more horses that find beautiful futures after racing.” RQ Senior Animal Care Manager Kim Duffy said the Acknowledged Retrainer of the Year Award recognised excellence in the care, retraining, and rehoming of retired racehorses in Queensland. “It celebrates our dedicated network of Acknowledged Retrainers working behind the scenes to give these horses meaningful second careers across a wide range of disciplines,” Ms Duffy said. “This award shines a light on the vital role that retrainers like Amanda play in helping racehorses successfully transition into life beyond the track. “I congratulate Amanda on this well-deserved win, which is a testament to the exceptional skill, dedication, and consistently high-quality outcomes she delivers. “Her ability to match horses with the right homes and to support them as they develop in new roles speaks volumes about her values, professionalism, and depth of experience. “Retired racehorses deserve every opportunity to thrive in their lives after racing. Amanda’s achievement is a clear reflection of the progress being made through the Acknowledged Retrainers Program in delivering those outcomes across Queensland.” Click here for more information on the QOTT Acknowledged Retrainers Program.