Thoroughbred Breeders Queensland Association

Queensland’s thoroughbred breeding industry is pushing back against proposed changes to national livestock transport standards, warning they could have serious unintended consequences for breeding, sales and racing participation. The TBQA has lodged a formal submission in response to the revised Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines – Land Transport of Livestock, arguing that the draft rules fail to reflect how the thoroughbred industry actually operates. At the centre of the concern are proposed journey time limits and mandatory spelling requirements for horses during transport. While designed to improve animal welfare outcomes, we think the measures are largely framed around general livestock haulage and do not account for the highly specialised nature of thoroughbred transport — particularly during the breeding season. Unlike many other livestock sectors, thoroughbred breeding is governed by strict international rules. For a horse to be registered as a thoroughbred, breeding must occur by natural cover, artificial insemination is not permitted. This means broodmares must be physically transported to the stallion’s location, often across state borders. Transport timing is not discretionary. It is dictated by veterinary reproductive management, including ultrasound monitoring and ovulation timing, alongside stallion booking schedules and pre-paid service agreements. So, if this proposal is mandated it risks: • Missed coverings and failed breeding cycles • Reduced conception rates • Higher veterinary and transport costs • Commercial losses that threaten the viability of breeding operations The breeding sector is the foundation of the racing industry’s supply chain. Fewer successful coverings lead directly to smaller foal crops, reduced yearling numbers and weaker sales catalogues. Then there’s transportation to races and sales. Yearlings must arrive at major sales venues in peak physical condition after months of structured preparation. Additional rest stops, longer transit times or higher transport costs could result in: • Reduced sales participation • Lower clearance rates and sale prices • Declining broodmare numbers • Smaller racing fields and reduced participation TBQA has emphasised that it supports genuine, evidence-based welfare improvements. However, it is calling for meaningful industry consultation and a clear distinction between specialist thoroughbred transport and general livestock haulage. The TBQA has prepared a submission to present to the DPI and State Government outline our concerns and we will keep you updated, but the message is clear: welfare outcomes and industry sustainability must go hand in hand - and getting transport rules wrong risks undermining both.

Thoroughbred Breeders Australia is writing to members to provide guidance on Foal Ownership Declaration (FOD) obligations and to aid clarity around how the current framework is operating. Our aim is to help members understand their obligations, reduce the risk of non-lodgement, and access support where required. To that end, we have put together a summary of the current Stud Book requirements and real-world examples of how this process is being enforced by Racing Australia. Mare Returns and Foal Ownership Declarations For every foal born, breeders are required to lodge both the Mare Return and the Foal Ownership Declaration within 30 days of the foal's birth; this is now a single process on the Stud Book website. FODs lodged between 30 and 60 days incur a late fee of $360. FODs lodged more than 60 days after birth will automatically result in the foal being placed under embargo and deemed ineligible to race in Australia unless a formal appeal is upheld. Embargo and Appeals Where a FOD is lodged more than 60 days after birth, Racing Australia will automatically impose an embargo preventing the horse from racing. The conditions under which an embargo will be lifted are extremely strict and narrowly defined. Racing Australia’s published Appeal Guidelines for Late Lodgement of Foal Ownership Declarations outline that an appeal must demonstrate “special or exceptional circumstances” that prevented timely lodgement. You can view the full guidelines here It is important to understand that lack of awareness of the requirement, on its own, is not currently being accepted by Racing Australia as sufficient grounds for a successful appeal. Appeals that do not clearly demonstrate exceptional circumstances, supported by appropriate evidence, are unlikely to succeed. Racing Australia states that appeals will be reviewed within 21 days. We are aware of multiple cases where this timeframe is not currently being met, creating uncertainty for breeders and owners. TBA is actively engaging with Racing Australia regarding the operation, proportionality and transparency of the current framework. Before You Submit an Appeal If you need to lodge an appeal, or if you have been asked to provide further information, we strongly encourage you to contact TBA before submitting. We can assist you in: • Assessing whether your circumstances may fall within the published criteria • Identifying additional contributing factors that should be articulated • Ensuring your submission is detailed and properly supported • Preparing statutory declarations where appropriate. In many cases, while lack of awareness alone may not be sufficient, there may be additional contextual factors that, when properly explained and evidenced, strengthen your position. Situations Resulting in Embargo Many embargoes we are seeing are not the result of deliberate non-compliance, but administrative breakdowns or systemic issues. These include: • Mare Return completed but FOD not lodged, particularly for 2024 foals and earlier when these were separate processes. • Assumptions between breeder and stud farm about who was responsible for lodging the FOD, especially where horses moved between studs or service levels differed. • Incorrect contact details recorded in the Stud Book, meaning reminder notices were not received. • IT systems processing large volumes of mares but inadvertently missing one or two. • Managing owners unaware of the requirement, particularly those new to the industry or based overseas. • Mares covered in New Zealand or internationally, where the progeny has not been automatically captured via the stallion return process. These are practical realities of a complex industry, and they are having significant consequences. Immediate Action: Please Check Everything We strongly recommend that you: • Review ALL mares, foals and yearlings you are connected to • Confirm that both the Mare Return and FOD have been correctly lodged • Do not assume another party has completed the process, even if you are not the managing owner. This includes horses that have moved between studs or ownership structures. If You Are Affected Please contact Meagan McGrath via email, meagan@tbaus.com, if you: • Need help to prepare an appeal; • Have already lodged an appeal and are awaiting a response; • Have had an appeal declined; or • Are concerned about a horse connected to you. We are seeking to track all members and horses currently impacted by embargo to ensure we have a complete understanding of the scale and nature of this issue. Your information will assist our advocacy efforts and ensure that they are informed by the real-world experiences of breeders, including any practical challenges encountered within the current framework. We are actively engaging with Racing Australia and will continue to keep members informed as this issue evolves.

The Thoroughbred Breeders Queensland Association (TBQA) has undertaken a comprehensive review of its Model Rules to ensure the Association’s Constitution reflects contemporary governance standards and best practice for member-based organisations. As the industry evolves, it is important that the Association’s governing documents remain clear, relevant and aligned with current regulatory requirements. The proposed updates modernise language, clarify processes, and strengthen governance provisions, ensuring TBQA is well positioned to continue representing and supporting Queensland breeders into the future. The updated Model Rules are now attached for members’ consideration ahead of the upcoming Annual General Meeting. Members are encouraged to review the proposed changes in detail prior to the AGM, where the amendments will be formally presented and put to a vote. The AGM will be held on Wednesday, 11 March, at 5:30pm in the Waugh Room at the Magic Millions Sales Complex, Gold Coast and provides an important opportunity for members to have their say on the future governance of the Association. TBQA warmly invites any member with questions, concerns or suggested amendments to make contact ahead of the meeting. Feedback can be directed to info@queenslandbreeders.com.au . Your engagement is valued, and we look forward to working together to ensure the Association’s Constitution continues to serve the best interests of Queensland’s thoroughbred breeding community. TBQA 2026 MODEL RULES DRAFT

The Thoroughbred Breeders Queensland Association is proud to support emerging young stud staff, but providing internships at willing stud farms for students from the Australian Industry School - Equine College. Glenlogan Park was the first stud to generously take on this huge commitment, hosting two young ladies for two weeks in December. Glenlogan Park Manager, Steve Morley turned from sceptic to advocate of the initiative - and the AIC. Here's what he had to say about the experience: "It is not often that I am surprised in this industry, but that is a word that certainly describes how I felt with the recent work placement here at Glenlogan Park of two very personable young female students. Lilli Coulson and Lilly Morgan, or the “two Lillie’s” as they soon became known to us as, are just 15 year-olds but their work ethic and real-world experience far exceeded their young ages. They attend the Industry School Equine College, which is an entity I knew very little about before their arrival. It is a college that balances studies and work placement and, from what I soon determined, expects strong performances at both levels. Students are encouraged to complete their year 12 graduation but will have had ample opportunity to experience all the equine industry has to offer before they reach that qualification stage. It is my understanding that they almost split studies and work experience on a 50/50 basis, giving their students an incredible head start for those wishing to make the equine industry their full time career. Considering their age, we were initially apprehensive to accept these girls as the demands of stud life can be very taxing, the hours long and they would be required to fend for themselves here on farm at the completion of each day. However, to their credit, they answered every challenge and were of invaluable assistance to us during their time here. Always happy and always willing, they rolled their sleeves up and worked side by side with our team in nearly every aspect of stud life. They never missed a beat. If these the two Lillie’s are typical of what this Industry College is producing, then we will be looking forward to hosting many more students in the future. It truly was a wonderful experience for all involved." - Steve Morley, Glenlogan Park.

Nominations are now being called for the 2026 Australian Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards. The Awards formerly known as the Stud and Stable Staff Awards will enter a new chapter in 2026, with a refreshed name, the Australian Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards (ATIEA), and an expanded industry partnership to further strengthen the recognition and celebration of the people who underpin Australia's world-class racing and breeding sector. From 2026, Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA) will be custodian of the Awards on behalf of the industry and Godolphin will be naming rights sponsor for the 12th consecutive year. The new name and management reflect the industry's commitment to recognising the depth and diversity of skill that keeps the thoroughbred sector and sport thriving. New Category Introduced The ATIEA Lifetime Achievement Award will be introduced in 2026 to honour individuals who have made an exceptional and sustained contribution to the Australian thoroughbred industry over many years. To streamline the program, the Thoroughbred Excellence Award will be retired. TBA President Basil Nolan, a long-standing judge of the Awards, said this new chapter presents an opportunity to further highlight the full breadth of the workforce. "These Awards are about celebrating the people who make our industry work, not only those hands-on with the horses, but also the staff who keep farms running, maintain our tracks, support the office and administration teams, and contribute behind the scenes in countless ways," Mr Nolan said. "Since their inception these Awards have honoured outstanding individuals, and the introduction of the new ATIEA Lifetime Achievement Award ensures we can also recognise those who have devoted their careers to the betterment of the thoroughbred industry. Their commitment deserves acknowledgement on the national stage." Godolphin Australia Managing Director Andy Makiv said the refreshed Awards reflect the evolving nature of the industry and the importance of recognising its people. “The Australian thoroughbred industry is built on the dedication, skill and professionalism of its workforce, and these Awards play a vital role in recognising those contributions,” Mr Makiv said. In collaboration with stakeholders, Godolphin has initiated similar Award programs in the United Kingdom, Ireland, France and the United States over the past 20 years. “We are proud to see these Awards dedicated to the unsung heroes of our industry strengthened in Australia and thank Thoroughbred Breeders Australia and category sponsors for investing in these Awards.” The Awards also welcome new sponsors AgriFutures and the Australian Trainers Association (ATA), who join a committed group of returning partners: Magic Millions, Queensland Off The Track (QOTT), Yulong and Inglis. Nominations Now Open Nominations for the 2026 Awards are now open and close Monday 16 February. All employers, colleagues, and participants across the racing and breeding industry are encouraged to put forward someone whose commitment and hard work deserves recognition. Winners will be announced at the Awards Ceremony on the Gold Coast on Monday 25 May. Award Categories and Prizes The Australian Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards continue the program's strong tradition of rewarding excellence, offering significant cash prizes across eight categories: • Dedication to Racing (sponsored by Yulong Stud) • Dedication to Breeding (sponsored by Magic Millions) • Horsemanship (sponsored by Inglis) • Leadership (sponsored by AgriFutures) • Administrative and Ancillary Services (sponsored by The Straight) • Thoroughbred Care and Welfare (sponsored by Queensland Off The Track) • Newcomer Award (sponsored by ATA) • ATIEA Lifetime Achievement Award (sponsored by Godolphin) More information, including instructions on how to nominate, can be found on the website atiea.com.au