Thoroughbred Breeders Queensland Association

The Thoroughbred Breeders Queensland Association proudly congratulates Foxie Sockcee and her rider Courtney Scott on taking out the Queensland-bred category of the Queensland Off the Track (QOTT) Showjumping competition at the Ekka, proudly sponsored by TBQA. The 15-year-old mare, by Wicked Style out of Discord, was bred by Mr A Newcombie and trained by Angela Stephens during her racing career. Foxie was retired from racing in 2016 after nine starts without a placing, but she has certainly found her form since making the transition to the showjumping arena. Her success at the Ekka is a wonderful example of the versatility of the Thoroughbred and the many opportunities available to these talented horses beyond the racetrack. Congratulations to Courtney and Foxie Sockcee on a fantastic result, and to everyone involved in giving retired racehorses a second career and showcasing just what they can achieve.  TBQA was delighted to support the QOTT Showjumping competition and celebrate the success of Queensland-bred Thoroughbreds in the arena.

He was far from fast on the track, but retired racehorse Rocket Of Gold showed he has plenty of speed in the Ekka showjumping arena on Monday afternoon. The former galloper and rider Kadell Sykes took out the 1.20m class in the 2026 Queensland Off-The-Track (QOTT) Program Showjumping Showcase at the Royal Queensland Show. A strong field of 22 horse-and-rider combinations lined up in the Main Arena at the Brisbane Showgrounds, with nine progressing to a jump off. The 16-year-old rider and 12-year-old palomino thoroughbred set the tone by jumping clear in a blistering 34 second round and were never headed by the rest of the competition. The duo finished ahead of second-placed Natalie Siiankoski and Curwood, and 2023 winner Emily Patterson and Star Struck (racing name Elton's Star), who took out third place. Competing at her first Ekka, Sykes said it was a dream come true to take home the $10,000 top prize. “It’s pretty surreal, I’m very excited to win,” Sykes said post-event. “We were the fourth out in the first round, and just tried to go with a nice, clear round and nothing too crazy.' “Being in the jump off and being first out was a little bit stressful, but you just have to go for it. “I’m very grateful and really happy.” Before becoming a champion showjumper, Rocket Of Gold had 36 starts at the track with his sole win coming at Springsure, south of Emerald, in September 2018. First trained by John Manzelmann and then Jade Doolan, the palomino gelding had his last race in Mackay in 2019. Sykes said the galloper by Gold Bold And Rich out of Easy Streets had been instrumental to her development as a rider. “I’ve been competing since I was probably around four, but been showjumping six or seven years,” Sykes said. “I've had him for almost five years, we have grown a lot together. “He took me from around 50 centimetres, we've jumped up to 130 centimetres now. “It's been a long journey together, but definitely worth it.” Sykes and the horse she calls “Brandy” will now set their sights on some new goals as they continue to develop their partnership in the showjumping arena. “I think that's a pretty good goal checked off the list – we will just jump around a few Young Rider tracks this year and try and get consistent at that,” Sykes said. “It takes a village to run a show like this, and I’d like to say a huge thank you to the Ekka for putting on such an incredible show. “I also want to thank all the sponsors and committee, as well as Queensland Off-The-Track for sponsoring the class.”  On Sunday, the 105cm class of the QOTT Showjumping Showcase had been taken out by Makaylah Fenwick and Grace And Glory, who claimed the $4,000 top prize.

Last year saw the inaugural National Thoroughbred Week - a TransTasman program where Thoroughbred businesses across Australia and New Zealand open their gates to the public for free, providing a rare behind-the-scenes opportunity to showcase our wonderful industry. The 5-day event featured 105 hosts and over 5,000 visitors (with 97% saying they'd come back). It's on again this year - expanding to a 10-day program from 20–30 November. They're hoping to build on last year's success and are seeking hosts for this year's event. As a host, you run the kind of event you're comfortable with - an intimate group of visitors, a full open day, or a private event for a local school or community group, or partner with another local Thoroughbred business or race club to host a collaborative event together. We handle the national promotion, your registrations, and all the support around it.  If you're interested you can learn more here

QTIS brochure information and nomination form for foals born in 2025 are now available. Any questions or concerns regarding QTIS payments, registrations and eligibility should be made to Racing Queensland - phone 07 3869 9709 or qtis@racingqueensland.com.au ELIGIBILITY A - Queensland Sired - FREE - Horse must be Eligibility A – QLD domiciled stallion - All obligations with ASB - mare returns and parentage must be carried out as normal. Imperative that this is submitted to the ASB for the Breeder Bonus purposes. - No requirement to submit any nomination forms or fees to RQ for Eligibility A horses ELIGIBILITY B - Breedback The progeny of a non-Queensland based stallion, provided the dam is covered by a Queensland domiciled stallion in the year the foal is born. Eligibility B (Breedback) must complete all obligations with ASB and submit nomination forms and payment as normal – Nothing has changed. FIRST PAYMENT A discounted First Payment of $770 (GST inc) made on or before 31 October 2025; OR A Late First Payment of $1,980 (GST inc) if First Payment is made after 31 October 2026 but on or before 30 June 2027. More details here

Queensland's premier trainer, Tony Gollan, has once again stamped his authority on the state's racing ranks, claiming both the QTIS 2YO and QTIS 3YO Trainers' Premierships for the second consecutive year – an exceptional achievement that highlights his continued success with Queensland-bred horses. Gollan dominated both divisions throughout the season, amassing $186,875 in QTIS bonuses in the 2YO category with eight winners, before backing it up with another outstanding performance in the 3YO division, also produced eight QTIS winners to earn $362,750 in bonuses, securing a clean sweep of the premierships for the second year running. In recognition of his achievement, Gollan will receive free entry into the Magic Millions Race Series for any two yearlings he purchases at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale next March, thanks to Magic Millions. Leading the way among the QTIS 2YOs was Alberta Bound, by Dracarys, who produced an outstanding juvenile campaign with four wins for Townsville trainer Graham Hughes. The talented youngster finished the season as the highest-earning QTIS 2YO, collecting $63,150 in QTIS bonuses. The leading QTIS 3YO was Foreign Press, by Invader, who recorded two wins during the season for trainer Tony Gollan. The consistent performer topped the 3YO standings with $110,250 in QTIS bonus earnings.