2023 Queensland Champion Stallions
Jai Warner • October 23, 2023
2023 Champion First Season Stallion - Encryption
Top Performer: Cifrado (c. 2020 – Madame Fly). 8 starts. 3-2-1. A$892,525
Encryption sired six winners from 24 starters including one stakes winner. They won nine races and $1,241,075 in prizemoney. Not only did he win the Queensland Champion Freshman sire, but he placed second overall on the national table.
His best performer was the Rex Lipp trained colt, Cifrado who won three of his eight starts including the Group 2 Champagne and Group 2 Sires Produce. He placed in a further three.
Encryption is an impeccably bred stallion being by the mighty Lonhro and out of the Champion Filly of her time Guelph. He won Group races as both a 2 and 3 year-old when saluting in the Group 3 Black Opal and Group 2 Danehill Stakes respectively. He stands at one of Queensland’s premier farms for the McAlpine family, Eureka Stud near Toowoomba.
2023 Champion 2YO Stallion - Better than Ready
Top 2YO Performer: Skirt the Law (f. 2020 – Outlaw Kate). 4 starts. 3-0-0. A$1,672,284
Better Than Ready’s two-year-old crop of 2023 was a real breakout year for the Warwick based stallion, yielding 20 winners from 48 starters, winning 31 races including one stakes winner and prizemoney totaling $3,339,314.
In addition to being crowned Queensland Champion 2YO Sire, Better than Ready challenged for the title of Australia’s Champion 2YO Sire, eventually finishing a very close third behind the superstar stallions I Am Invincible and Snitzel.
His filly, Skirt the Law was amongst the top echelon of juveniles in the country, winning three of her four starts including the prestigious, Listed $2million Magic Millions Classic on the Gold Coast.
From only five crops to race, this is the third time that Better Than Ready has been crowned Champion 2YO Sire in the Sunshine State. He has previously won the award with his first crop juveniles in 2019 and again in 2021.
Congratulations to both the Kruger and Forster families who originally combined to stand this amazing young sire at Queensland’s time-honoured Lyndhurst Stud at Warwick on the Darling Downs.
2023 Champion Stallion - Better than Ready
Top Performer: Skirt the Law (f. 2020 – Outlaw Kate). 4 starts. 3-0-0. A$1,672,284
In a nice double for Better than Ready, he has been crowned 2023 Queensland Champion Stallion, along with Champion 2YO Stallion.
Amassing a record Queensland seasonal prizemoney haul of $11,423,297, Better Than Ready has certainly deserved his inaugural Queensland Champion Stallion title.
This season, the prepotent son of More Than Ready has had 283 runners for 145 winners including three stakes-winners. His top performers included 2YO Magic Millions Classic winner, Skirt the Law, Better Get Set who won the Ladbrokes Just Now Stakes at the Gold Coast and winner of the Listed Daybreak Lover at Eagle Farm, The Vowels.
Better than Ready has made every post a winner since his runners hit the track, having now taken out at least one of the Queensland Champion Stallion categories, every year since being crowned Champion Freshman Sire in 2019.
Better Than Ready, by Australia’s twice-champion Two-Year-Old sire, More Than Ready, has passed on his brilliant racetrack ability to his progeny. Better Than Ready started sixteen times for eight wins with one of those victory’s being the Listed Brian Crowley Stakes at Randwick, smashing Northern Meteor’s 1200 metre track record, running a blistering 1.08.19 for the journey.
Better than Ready has taken out at least one of the Queensland Champion Stallion categories, every year since being crowned Champion Freshman Sire in 2019.
Congratulations to the Kruger family at Lyndhurst Stud at Warwick on the Darling Downs and Richard Forster at Yarramalong Park for this great achievement.
Thoroughbred Breeders Queensland Association would like to show our support to the embattled farming families and communities throughout Western Queensland who have been affected by the recent devastating floods. As farmers ourselves, we know the devastating impact this will have on the livelihoods of so many people for many years to come, because even after the initial cleanup, there is the rebuilding of property, livestock and crops. Our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by this disaster, we hope our donation to Rural Aid helps in some way. We would also like to encourage our members to donate either financially, or through fodder, horse rugs and equipment. The TBQA is supporting Rural Aid and you can find more information about them here https://www.ruralaid.org.au/ but there are many other worthwhile organisations that are seeking donations. Thank you for your generosity and support.
Each thoroughbred breeding region has unique characteristics, so it is crucial to have accurate information specific to each state. Information acquired from the Australian Stud Book indicates that pregnancy loss is highly variable across breeding regions. To address this pressing issue, it is essential to obtain state-specific information to assist breeders to reduce pregnancy losses. In determining how best to reduce pregnancy losses, it is important to understand the size of the problem, at what time of year losses occur, at what stage of the pregnancy most losses happen, the major causes of losses, and the influence of the environment on the mares. Work investigating pregnancy losses in the Hunter Valley region of New South Wales, completed in 2021 as part of AgriFutures Australia project The pathology and epidemiology of equine pregnancy loss (PRJ-011719), delivered interesting and unexpected results that breeders and their vets can use to plan how to reduce pregnancy losses. To improve the quality of the information collected, this project will continue the case-control study undertaken in that initial project and investigate Queensland studs as well as those in the Hunter Valley that participated in the earlier work. If you would like to participate in the study, that is being undertaken by Dr Joan Carrick, please contact her on joan@equinespecialistconsulting.com Find out more in the information brochure here
Calling individuals aged 18-25 passionate about a career in the thoroughbred industry. Applications are now open for the Les Young Scholarship, offering an opportunity to shape your career and undertake an international course at The National Stud in the UK. Learn more & apply here: The 2025 Les Young Scholarship | AgriFutures Australia
Applications close 12 noon (AEST) 14 April Passionate thoroughbred breeding industry professionals wanted: Applications now open for AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Advisory Panel Chair. AgriFutures Australia is seeking a suitably qualified industry representative to join the AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Advisory Panel as Chair. This exciting opportunity is open to thoroughbred breeders, industry professionals, equine veterinarians and/or researchers who have an interest in contributing to the profitability and sustainability of the thoroughbred breeding industry. Learn more and apply here: Advisory Panel Recruitment | AgriFutures Australia
The Thoroughbred Breeders Queensland Association is very proud to unveil our new logo. This is the first time since the TBQA was established in 1949 that we have upgraded our branding. The logo was launched at the March Magic Millions Yearling Sale Welcome BBQ on Sunday, 23 March. This new look makes the TBQA easily identifiable and relatable. It's sleek, fresh and modern but we were very conscious of maintaining some of the tradition of the organisation and keeping the horse's head which was synonymous with our original logo, along with our maroon and gold colours - after all we are Queenslanders! Thank you to Ryan at Monocreative for working closely with the TBQA to create our new look.
Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA) and Aushorse have appointed Andrew Hore-Lacy as its next Chief Executive Officer. Following a comprehensive international search, Hore-Lacy, who currently is the head of horse racing at the Seven Network, emerged as the preeminent candidate to lead both organisations, owing to his vast experience and profound knowledge of the thoroughbred industry. In his role at Seven, Hore-Lacy leads a team of 15 full-time staff, responsible for the creation, development, and production of all horse racing-related content and programming. His tenure at the network has been marked by a series of innovative and successful initiatives that have significantly enriched the network's horse racing portfolio. Aushorse Chairman Antony Thompson said Hore-Lacy’s previous experience and passion for the industry made him the ideal candidate for the role. “Andrew has an authentic commitment for the entire racing industry and a deep understanding of the breeding sector's pivotal importance, alongside the many challenges faced by breeders. His robust background in communications, media and stakeholder engagement equips him with a diverse array of skills. We are excited to welcome him as the new CEO of Thoroughbred Breeders Australia and Aushorse,” Thompson said. “I am confident that Andrew will leverage his expertise, leadership acumen, and strategic foresight to not only advance the interests of TBA and Aushorse on both domestic and international stages but also to reinforce Australia's vibrant and robust breeding industry, which is revered globally.” TBA President Basil Nolan said the selection panel had been impressed with Hore-Lacy’s energy and commitment to building on the programs and initiatives run by TBA and Aushorse. “Andrew demonstrated a clear understanding of the work undertaken by the team, particularly in areas of education and training, as well as marketing initiatives such as the Investor’s Guide. He conveyed a compelling vision for enhancing these established foundations, and I am confident he will introduce innovative perspectives that will enable TBA and Aushorse to continue to thrive,” Nolan said. Before his appointment as Seven’s Head of Horse Racing, Hore-Lacy distinguished himself as a Senior Producer across a spectrum of sports, including AFL, horse racing, tennis, and the Olympic Games, further underscoring his versatile and comprehensive expertise in the sports and media industries. Hore-Lacy thanked the TBA and Aushorse boards for the opportunity. "I am honoured to take on the role of CEO and lead these organisations into the future,” Hore-Lacy said. “Working for Seven for 15 years has been an incredibly rewarding experience, filled with personal growth, meaningful challenges, and the opportunity to collaborate with an incredible high performing team. "I believe that the thoroughbred industry is a vital part of Australia’s cultural and economic fabric. My goal is to foster growth and innovation, ensuring that we continue to thrive both domestically and internationally. “I look forward to getting started and building upon the strong foundation laid by Tom Reilly and driving these organisations forward to new heights.” Hore-Lacy will succeed Tom Reilly, who was appointed CEO of the Melbourne Racing Club in January. Both Thompson and Nolan gave thanks to Reilly for his work leading the organisations for a decade. “It’s important to state how grateful I am to Tom for his work. Under his leadership the TBA started a host of education and training initiatives that have worked wonderfully,” said Nolan. Thompson added: “Tom has really driven the breeding industry forward in many areas. From an Aushorse perspective, he has really given the Australian industry huge recognition on the international scene and we’ve seen significant international investment as a result. I am sure he will do a great job at the MRC and everyone wishes him all the best in the future.” Hore-Lacy will commence his role with TBA and Aushorse in June.
The Rockhampton Jockey Club’s annual Capricornia Yearling Sale (CYS) will be delivered Sunday 13 April at the Showground’s Robert Schwarten Pavilion, in the heart of the Beef Capital City. The Sale will be preceded by the Capricornia Yearling Sale Race Carnival on Friday 11 and Saturday 12 April. Exclusive to Sale graduates, the two main races are the 2YO Classic with prize money of $168,000* while $118,000* will be on offer for the 3&4YO Classic. Over the two-day carnival, connections will compete for over $640,000* in prize money. (*Including QTIS bonuses). The $30,000 Country Cup will be raced on Friday, while the $30,000 Mayor’s Cup is an integral part of the Saturday program. And at 11.00am on Sunday 13th April, the first of around 110 thoroughbred yearlings will go under the selling agent Magic Millions auctioneer’s hammer. Friday evening is a standout highlight of the weekend calendar, delivering excitement and anticipation with the Classic Race Calcutta in the Members Lounge. In response to feedback from owners and key stakeholders, the event will be even more thrilling this year with the addition of a second Calcutta, focusing on the contenders of the 3&4YO Classic. The highly anticipated night will provide a competitive atmosphere and opportunities to get involved in the action and excitement of the two marquee CYS races. This year there is likely to be strong representation from the racing hubs outside of Rockhampton and Central Queensland with Classic race starters expected to come from far and wide. At the Sale, thoroughbred nurseries and hobby breeders will be represented from all parts of Queensland, and Northern New South Wales. With a proud history spanning over 37 years, the Capricornia Yearling Sale remains one of the few Yearling Sale-Race concepts conducted by an Australian race club. Thanks to the expertise and support of the Magic Millions team, the event continues to thrive as a key date on the racing and breeding calendar. Don’t miss out – mark your calendar to make tracks to Rocky in April! www.callaghanpark.com.au/racing/capricornia-yearling-sale/
Magic Millions advise after careful consideration the Gold Coast March Yearling Sale will be delayed two weeks. Due to ongoing weather implications the decision has been made as early as possible to provide certainty to all stakeholders and participants. The 2025 Magic Millions Gold Coast March Yearling Sale will now commence on Monday March 24 and concluding on Tuesday March 25. The start times on both days will revert to 11am (Qld time). "The two week delay will be required so the sale can be held safely on the Gold Coast," Magic Millions Managing Director Barry Bowditch said. "We want to be able to provide certainty to all of those involved in the auction with Cyclone Alfred approaching the South East Queensland coast." "Magic Millions will always place safety for our participants and horses first and while changes will always create issues, this delay is necessary." "We thank our breeders, vendors, buyers and all other parties for their understanding at this time and we wish all people in the affected areas the best over the coming days." Latest forecasts from the Bureau of Meteorology predict gale force winds and substantial rainfall for the Gold Coast region over the coming days. The Gold Coast March Yearling Sale will be now held a week following the Adelaide Yearling Sale (March 17 and 18).
Christine Hewitt has been around plenty of thoroughbreds throughout her time but none of them quite compare to Koko Story. The former jockey, and daughter Jamie, house the former racehorse at their property in Gympie, but it has been quite the journey for Koko Story to land there. They bought him off Victorian event rider Robert Palm in 2023, who had discovered Koko Story as a five-year-old in the stable of Gold Coast trainer Gillian Heinrich. Racing as Southern Pride, the chestnut gelding had three trials at Doomben, the Gold Coast and Eagle Farm back in 2009 and 2010. He finished last in all three runs and never started in an official race, but has successfully transitioned to life as a showjumper with no hesitation, competing all around the world. Palm and Koko Story were selected as Reserves for the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games in Mill Spring, USA but were forced to withdraw due to the horse picking up a virus. It was around 18 months ago that the family then purchased Koko Story via a Facetime call. “Jamie’s coach had suggested him, he belonged to Jamie’s coach’s best mate,” Christine explained. “He’s the best - he’s a bit high maintenance but we love him and he is the best horse around, we wish we could get another one. “I already asked the guy that we got him off if he’s got another one - sadly there is no other Koko Story but we’re looking!” Christine had over 300 starts in the saddle from 1995-1999, mainly competing around the Far North Queensland region. Having been around thoroughbreds for most of her life, she said Koko Story had proven to be one of her favourites. “I used to be a jockey so have had a lot of experience with thoroughbreds - they can be quirky but so can any horse, the warmbloods are the same,” Christine said. “They just seem so genuine, and they’ll try harder for you - he just loves cuddles and he’s just the nicest, easiest horse. “He gets stabled every night and at 4 o’clock when he’s got to come in…he’s not happy if you’re late and he runs around the paddock, you have to be home to put him away. “He would have to be the best horse for Jamie to step up the heights - she’s jumped the biggest track she’s ever jumped on him. “They’re pretty confident together, he always tries his hardest for her.” Jamie can attest to Koko Story’s nature, having spent plenty of time competing on the back of the 17-year-old in the showjumping arena. “He had a done a little bit of jumping before I got him, but when I got him I started back small again just getting to know him,” Jamie said. “He’s very, very sweet-natured, very cheeky - you wouldn’t even know he’s a thoroughbred just because of his nature – he’s not high-strung at all, he’s always very relaxed. “He’s definitely a little bit trickier than some of the other ones I’ve had to ride, and getting used to riding him is a bit different to ones I’ve had before. “He’s very easy going and relaxed and happy to do anything with, he’s like a little baby dog!” The pair have enjoyed plenty of success together since linking up in 2023. They won a Group 2 final at the Thoroughbred Sport Horse Association Nationals in 2023, and finished equal third in a Class 9 event in the 2024 edition. At last year’s Ekka, Koko and Jamie finished third in the 120cm class of the QOTT Showjumping Showcase and were crowned the highest-placed Queensland-bred thoroughbred by the Thoroughbred Breeders Queensland Association. Late last year, the pair competed at the Australian Jumping Championships at Willinga Park in New South Wales. With 27 riders in the class, Jamie and Koko made it to the final round of the Young Rider Class, jumping 145cm and finishing 11th overall out of a field of 27. Making it even better, Koko was also the only thoroughbred in the class. Jamie is already looking ahead to adding more to Koko’s bulging CV in 2025. “We are hoping to step up and do a few mini prixs, and hopefully we get to Thoroughbred Nationals and the Ekka again,” Jamie said. “We are just looking for that consistency and stepping up a little bit bigger.”