Thoroughbred Breeders Queensland Association

They have been giving people with a disability the opportunity to ride and enjoy all the activities connected with horse riding since 1996. Now, the Valley Riding for the Disabled at Tallebudgera has received its own boost as part of the Queensland Off-The-Track Grants Program. The centre recently acquitted a QOTT Therapy Horse Grant, which helps fund the costs associated with veterinary treatment, farrier and feed for retired racehorses that are used as therapy aids. One equine participant that has greatly benefited from the grant in particular has been ex-racehorse Maltese Lovable, who has been with the Valley RDA since 2008. Valley RDA president Cliff Hitch said the funding boost had been crucial in ensuring the former thoroughbred galloper continued to be a vital part of the program. “He’s 24 years old now and required a considerable amount of veterinary treatment,” Hitch said. “He’s beginning to show signs of needing a lot of care and attention, which thankfully we had the funds from QOTT to be able to do that. “He's used for challenged riders both physically and mentally on a regular basis, however because of his ongoing health issues, he's not being used as much this last 12 months as we would normally expect. “We've had a good run out of him really, and we are all very, very fond of him. “He's cost us money to look after, and of course he's not earned us much money, so having the grant was absolutely essential to ensure that we could look after him.” Valley RDA has four horses in total which assist around 20 clients in getting a feel of what it is like to ride a horse. One of those horses, standardbred Up The Andy, is also benefiting from the grant. “We've had Up The Andy for a good few years now, eight years I think we've had him,” Hitch said. “He's been a good horse, in the same way as Maltese Lovable, he's not cost us much to keep and run, and he's been a good, quiet horse. “Unfortunately, he's developed the propensity to spook with birds or any quick moving objects…so long term we'll look at rehoming him. “It’s absolutely imperative that we got a grant like that to enable us to support him and those ex-racehorses, and from a financial point of view, we can break even.” The Valley RDA employs four senior coaches and a volunteer coordinator to assist with the program. Volunteers are trained to be able to handle the horses, to know how to saddle, how to lead and how to protect riders who are vulnerable. They are continuing to go from strength to strength with plenty of success stories across the last 30 years. “We also vet our clients as they're not all suitable for riding and sitting on horses for various different reasons, one of them being weight, and we follow the national guidelines which involves age, size, weight, etc,” Hitch said. “Some riders are able to balance better than others, and it’s a constant calculation. “We have two things here: one, we have dedicated volunteers who just love to see the progress that the clients make. “It's amazing, clients come in fairly uncoordinated in many respects, and you see them over a period of time, even years, how they change and develop. “Some of our clients we've had for 10 years and we've seen them growing up, and so the value for all concerned - the parents, the carers, and for our volunteers – is just immeasurable.” Valley RDA runs six lessons across Fridays and Saturdays, with a maximum of 30 clients. Hitch said there was a possibility to expand the program if they found the right horses to suit the riders. “We're actually actively right now looking for two replacement horses and we're looking at Off-The-Track horses as well,” Hitch said. “But we can't have them that are too big - anything over 15 hands is a bit high for side walkers to deal with. “So we're trying to restrict that, it's not an easy ask, and they've got to be super quiet horses, of course.” RQ Senior Animal Care Manager Kim Duffy said the QOTT Grants Program continued to play a vital role in strengthening long-term aftercare pathways for retired racehorses across Queensland. “Supporting not-for-profit organisations such as Valley RDA is an important part of ensuring retired racehorses can continue to make a positive impact in the community,” Ms Duffy said. “Through the delivery of therapy and rehabilitation programs, these organisations not only provide significant community benefits, but also create meaningful and sustainable second-career opportunities for retired racehorses in their care. “Whether through therapy work, education programs or recreational riding, these grants help ensure retired racehorses can continue to lead active, purposeful lives, and the work these organisations do has lasting benefits for both people and horses alike.” The QOTT Grants Program complements the various post-racing initiatives introduced by RQ over the past five years to support racehorse aftercare in Queensland.  These include the Subsidised Lessons Program, Acknowledged Retrainers Program, Event Sponsorship Program, Nutrition Education Hub, Safety Net Partnership with Save A Horse Australia, Premium Event Partnerships, QOTT Education Program, QOTT Clubhouse, the New OTT Owner Welcome Pack and the On-site Humane Euthanasia Program – Equine.

Being acknowledged for your dedication to retraining retired gallopers is special enough, but for Alex Kelly, receiving congratulations from an industry legend in Bruce McAvaney was the true icing on the cake.  The Queensland Off-The-Track Acknowledged Retrainer took home the Thoroughbred Care and Welfare Award at last night’s Australian Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards (ATIEA) ceremony on the Gold Coast. Formerly known as the Stud and Stable Staff Awards, the ATIEA celebrate the people whose work sustains Australia’s world-leading thoroughbred industry. Kelly has been part of the QOTT Acknowledged Retrainers Program since April 2024, and was quick to pay tribute to the team who help her juggle work and motherhood alongside her care of retired racehorses. “I was so excited, and it was just amazing watching all of the participants and nominees up there,” Kelly said. “It's not just a win for me either - it's a win for everybody who works with me and supports me, from my husband Jack to the feed man Glen, and our vets and farriers. “Every day Jack is doing something to make sure that I can put in the time, and in at the feed shop talking to Glen and asking him what I should do and where we're going here and what we're doing with this horse. “There's so many moving parts to this - I have more commitments than just the horses, and people have moved mountains to make sure that I could get there last night. “We even had the girls drive two and a half hours just to look after the baby for me for a couple of hours, just so we could go out and go to the awards night.” The night also included the presentation of the inaugural ATIEA Lifetime Achievement Award to legendary racing broadcaster Bruce McAvaney. Kelly said receiving recognition from the industry doyen had been the highlight of her extraordinary evening. “I got back to the table, and I said, 'Oh my gosh guys, Bruce McAvaney hugged me, I can't go and have a shower now,’” Kelly said with a laugh. “I've been watching him call the Melbourne Cup since I was very young. “That was so exciting just to be in the same room as him.” The QOTT Acknowledged Retrainer was not the only Queensland-based winner on the evening. Brett Killion, who runs master trainer Chris Waller’s Gold Coast satellite stable, took home the Dedication to Racing Award. Awards were also presented in the categories of Leadership, Dedication to Breeding, Administrative and Ancillary Services, Newcomer and Horsemanship. Kelly, who took home a $10,000 cash prize, said the gong had provided some extra motivation for future retraining plans. “The ATIEA is incredibly important - I think the horse industry in general, we don't do it a lot of the time to be showcased,” Kelly said. “To have that recognition, it lights a bit more of a fire in your belly too. “We have already been discussing what's next for us - how we can make this bigger and better, where are we improving, and how can we try and affect and help within that industry? “It also inspires those young people coming up through the ranks too.” The 30-year-old currently houses 13 horses on her 20-acre hobby farm at Widgee, just west of Gympie. Five of those horses are currently being retrained as part of the QOTT Program. Kelly said her biggest thrill as part of the program came from receiving updates on how retired thoroughbreds and standardbreds formerly in her care had progressed in their new lives. “We are able to make a positive change for these horses and set them up so that they can go and do anything,” Kelly said. “So to hear that they're being successful down the track is great, and it doesn't necessarily mean that it's competition success. “It's just that they're someone's best friend, and they are super valuable in that next life.” RQ Senior Animal Care Manager Kim Duffy said the Thoroughbred Care and Welfare Award provided important recognition for individuals with an exceptional commitment to the care, retraining, and welfare of thoroughbreds beyond racing. “Alex embodies everything this award represents and is a wonderful example of the positive impact retrainers can have on the welfare and future of retired racehorses,” Ms Duffy said. “Her recognition on the national stage is incredibly well-deserved and reflects the dedication, patience and care she invests into every horse that comes through her retraining program. “Behind every successful transition are countless hours of hard work, consistency and passion, and Alex continually goes above and beyond to give her horses the best possible foundation for life after racing. “Alex’s success is a testament to the important role retrainers play in creating positive post-racing outcomes for retired racehorses, and we are incredibly proud to have her as part of Queensland’s Acknowledged Retrainer community.” Click here for more information on the QOTT Acknowledged Retrainers Program.

One of the most important responsibilities we have as an industry is ensuring that Queensland breeding remains strong, sustainable and well-positioned for the future. With that in mind, the TBQA will hold a Special General Meeting at 10.30am on Tuesday, 25 August , in the Members Room at the Toowoomba Turf Club to discuss the future of Queensland breeding. The meeting follows concerns raised by industry stakeholders at our March AGM, along with the results of the Magic Millions March Yearling Sale, which highlighted a number of issues affecting breeders across the state. This meeting is open to everyone involved in the thoroughbred industry, not just TBQA members. I strongly encourage breeders, owners, vendors and industry participants to attend and have their say. The more voices we have in the room, the better informed our discussions and future planning will be. For catering purposes, please RSVP by Friday, 14 August to info@queenslandbreeders.com.au. We look forward to seeing as many of you there as possible.

After more than a decade leading the Thoroughbred Breeders Australia Basil Nolan announced his decision to step down as President of the national breeders’ body. Mr Nolan, who will remain on the TBA Board as the representative of Queensland breeders, has served as President since 2014 and has been a member of the Board since TBA’s establishment in 2005. A highly respected breeder and principal of Raheen Stud, Mr Nolan has helped guide TBA through a period of significant change and challenge, including Equine Influenza, the 2011 Queensland floods, major commercial issues affecting breeders, COVID and ongoing national and international Pattern Committee matters. He said the time was right to hand over the role. “It has been a privilege to serve as President of TBA, and I am proud of what we have achieved together as a Board,” Mr Nolan said. “The time is right for me to hand over the role and make space for the next leader." Antony Thompson has been elected by the TBA Board as the new President at the May 25 meeting. “I have enjoyed working with Antony through his role as Chairman of Aushorse, and I wish him every success as President. “TBA has an important role to play for breeders and for the wider industry, and I am confident it will continue to be in good hands.” Mr Thompson, principal of Widden Stud and Chairman of Aushorse, said Mr Nolan’s contribution to TBA and the broader breeding industry deserved sincere recognition. “Basil has given many years of wise and committed service to TBA and to Australian breeders,” newly elected TBA President Antony Thompson said. “He has been a steady and respected voice around the Board table, particularly through some of the most difficult periods our industry has faced. “On behalf of the Board and the broader thoroughbred breeding industry, I want to thank Basil for his leadership as President and for the enormous amount of time and care he has given to the role." Mr Thompson said he was honoured to take on the Presidency at an important time for Australian breeders and the wider thoroughbred industry. “Our industry is facing some real challenges, but it also has enormous strengths,” Mr Thompson said. “We have a breeding sector that continues to produce horses of world-class quality, a racing industry that remains the envy of many jurisdictions, and a community of people whose skill, resilience and optimism underpin everything we do. “That optimism has been on display again this week, from the strength of our breeding stock sales to the Australian Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards tonight, where the people behind our industry are being recognised and celebrated. “Despite the pressures facing the industry, there is still great confidence in the Australian thoroughbred and great pride in the people who make this industry what it is. “As President, my focus will be on ensuring breeders have a strong, constructive and respected voice on the national issues that affect them, from the commercial settings that support investment to the Pattern system that underpins the value of our bloodstock.” Mr Thompson brings significant national industry experience to the role, including as Chairman of Aushorse and as a breeder representative on Australia’s Black Type Advisory Group. Mr Thompson formally joined the TBA Board last month in the vacant Aushorse Marketing seat. TBA also acknowledged the service of Jeff Kruger, who has resigned from the Board after many years of dedicated service representing Queensland breeders. Well-respected Queensland breeder and principal of Eureka Stud Scott McAlpine has been appointed to replace Mr Kruger as the representative of the Thoroughbred Breeders Queensland Association. TBA thanked Mr Kruger for his contribution and welcomed Mr McAlpine.  Newly elected President Antony Thompson said the renewed Board would continue working to support breeders and strengthen the industry’s confidence, unity and long-term sustainability.

The outstanding people behind Australia’s thoroughbred racing and breeding industry were recognised last night at the 2026 Australian Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards , held at the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort on the Gold Coast. Previously known as the Stud and Stable Staff Awards, the Awards showcase the people whose skill, care and dedication underpin the success of Australia's world-renowned thoroughbred industry. The Awards were introduced in Australia by Godolphin as part of a global commitment to recognising the people who are the backbone of the thoroughbred industry. Godolphin continued its support this year as principal partner of the Awards, which were delivered by Thoroughbred Breeders Australia on behalf of the industry. A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the inaugural ATIEA Lifetime Achievement Award , sponsored by Godolphin, to legendary broadcaster Bruce McAvaney . TBA and Aushorse CEO Andrew Hore-Lacy said the Awards were an important opportunity to recognise the people who make the industry possible. “Whether you work in breeding, racing, welfare, administration, education, media, transport or any other part of the industry, we are all here because of the horse,” Mr Hore-Lacy said. “These Awards matter because they recognise people who are often not in the spotlight. The people who are up before dawn. The people who stay late. The people who notice when a horse is not quite right. The people who teach, lead, care, organise, mentor and keep the whole industry moving. “While the horses often become the names we remember, it is the people who give them that chance. Tonight was about acknowledging those people, and making sure their contribution is seen, valued and celebrated. “To every winner and finalist, congratulations. Your recognition reflects the skill, care and commitment you bring to the industry every day, and you should be enormously proud.” Mr Hore-Lacy said the presentation of the inaugural ATIEA Lifetime Achievement Award to Bruce McAvaney was a fitting addition to the program. “Bruce has told so many of Australian sport’s greatest stories, including some of racing’s most memorable moments,” Mr Hore-Lacy said. “His voice is part of the soundtrack of racing in this country, and his respect for the horse, the people and the emotion of the sport has helped bring those stories into homes across Australia. “To recognise Bruce as the inaugural recipient of the ATIEA Lifetime Achievement Award is incredibly special, and a fitting tribute to someone whose contribution to racing has been felt across generations.” While Mr McAvaney has been recognised across Australian sport and broadcasting, the inaugural ATIEA Lifetime Achievement Award carries a particular significance for racing, giving the thoroughbred industry an opportunity to formally thank one of its great storytellers. Bruce McAvaney said he was deeply honoured to receive the inaugural ATIEA Lifetime Achievement Award. "It is an incredible sport," Mr McAvaney said. "The more about the sport you think you know, the less about the sport you really know. It's fascinating, it's elusive, you never really conquer it. "If I put a full stop to my life in Australian racing today, there are two race days that stand alone. The 2005 Melbourne Cup, when Makybe Diva won it for the third time, and the 2019 Queen Elizabeth Stakes, when Royal Randwick was a sea of blue and white, when we said goodbye to the greatest racehorse this country has ever seen, in Winx. "Every one of us in this room has experienced the thrill of a famous final furlong, and that emotion that swirls when a champion returns to scale. "Great racing is great sport, and tonight I have received one of the greatest honours of my life. Thank you very much." The 2026 Australian Thoroughbred Industry Employee Award winners were: Dedication to Racing Award (sponsored by Yulong Stud) • Brett Killion (QLD) Dedication to Breeding Award (sponsored by Magic Millions) • Verna Metcalfe (NSW) Horsemanship Award (sponsored by Inglis) • Arda Tascioglu (NSW) Leadership Award (sponsored by AgriFutures Australia) • Neasham Clegg (VIC) Administrative and Ancillary Services Award (sponsored by The Straight) • Matt Harrington (VIC) Thoroughbred Care and Welfare Award (sponsored by Queensland Off The Track) • Alexandra Kelly (QLD) Newcomer Award (sponsored by the Australian Trainers’ Association) • Cooper Albers (VIC) ATIEA Lifetime Achievement Award (sponsored by Godolphin) • Bruce McAvaney (SA) TBA congratulates all winners and finalists, and thanks the sponsors, judges, nominators, employers, families and supporters who contributed to the Awards. Further information can be found on the website atiea.com.au