Have a Cuppa on Us

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.”

She may hail from the Newcastle area but Makaylah Fenwick has clearly been feeling right at home in the Queensland showjumping arena in the last six months. The 17-year-old and retired thoroughbred Rainbow Man claimed victory in the Queensland Off-The-Track Cup Final at yesterday’s Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo and Showjumping Day on the Gold Coast. It backed up her win onboard Grace And Glory in the 2024 QOTT Program Showjumping Showcase 1.20m class at the Ekka in August. The dynamic horse-and-rider team had held out strong competition from Louise Day and Amoretti, who finished second, with Natalie Siiankoski and A Golden Alibi coming in third. Eighteen competitors lined up to chase their share of the increased $75,000 prizemoney in Sunday’s final, after earning their spots through three qualifiers held in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. Fenwick and Rainbow Man had booked their place in the final via the Sydney Summer Classic qualifier early in December. The teenager was lost for words post-event when asked how she felt about the win. “I actually don’t know what I feel to be honest - I can’t even explain how I feel, it’s incredible and it’s amazing,” Fenwick said. “Winning this class has been amazing and a fantastic experience. “I’d just like to say a big thank you to Racing Queensland, Magic Millions and Queensland Off-The-Track for running such an amazing event.” Rainbow Man is an eight-year-old gelding, by Kentucky Derby and Dubai World Cup winner Animal Kingdom. He was purchased by Newcastle trainer Paul Perry at the 2018 Magic Millions Yearling Sale for $80,000 from the Arrowfield Stud draft. The gelding had 17 starts through his career on the track, notching just three placings before having his last race in New South Wales in 2021. But Rainbow Man has now found a new lease on life under the tutelage of Fenwick, who acquired him off Perry two years ago. “When I first got Rainbow, we did a bit of flat work at the start and we slowly got into the jumping,” Fenwick said. “He was a bit clumsy at the start, he couldn’t even get over a cross rail, he couldn’t do that to save his life. “But we just kept on persisting and kept on doing it, practicing, practicing, practicing and he eventually just got the hang of it and he loves it now. “We’ve had our ups and downs but we’ve been working together pretty good recently, putting in the hard work and getting what I want out of him.” RQ Senior Animal Care Manager Kim Duffy said Rainbow Man’s win was a prime example of the versatility and athleticism that retired thoroughbreds can demonstrate in their post-racing careers. ‘It’s really important to support the equestrian community who takes care of our retired racehorses for the remainder of their post racing lives,” she said. “While they’re in racing, their careers and their performances are on the track and they live for another decade or two off the track. “It’s really important to transition them into a second career and we’ve seen them here in the showjumping sport today.” The QOTT Cup Final had been run for the second time after a successful inaugural event in 2024. Ms Duffy thanked Magic Millions for their support with attention already turning to the 2026 QOTT Cup Final. “Queensland Off-The-Track is incredibly proud to partner with Magic Millions - it’s one of our premium event partnerships and it also compliments our event sponsorship program which supports competitions of all disciplines across a range of equestrian and horse sport activities for all levels of horse and rider combinations,” she said. “It’s really important to create events such as these not only to stimulate demand for retired racehorses in second careers such as showjumping, but also to incentivise riders to take on a retired thoroughbred to compete at events such as this.”

It’s time to secure a spot in the 2025 Queensland Stallions Directory for your stallion or business. We print 10,000 copies each year and post them to our members at the start of June. They’re always hot property at the sales; we never have a copy left over. If you’re involved in the equine industry, this is a very valuable marketing tool – promoting your stallion or business directly to the equine industry. If you would like to advertise your stallion or business contact Lisa Frappell on 0402 490 501. But you’ll need to hurry as bookings close March 28, 2025. Don’t miss out. Click here for pricing details and booking forms Click here for information for Trade Advertisements Click here for Trade Ad Booking Forms To ensure you receive your complimentary copy of the 2025 Queensland Stallions, you must have joined the TBQA or updated your contact details (for existing members) by April 30, 2025. There is a $20 postage fee for non-members, incorrect address or if you require further editions.

Breezin' by Jungle Cat, Spirit of Boom juvenile, La Bella Boom, Tony Gollan, John Wiggington and Clinton Taylor all feature prominently in the QTIS rankings for January. Find out the latest rankings here: Leading QTIS Trainers Top QTIS 2YOs Best Performing QTIS 3YOs