New QTIS race a boon for QLD owners and trainers
QUEENSLAND thoroughbred racing has received a boost with the announcement of a new feature race to be run in March 2018.
The $250,000 race will be run at the Gold Coast and will be part of the Queensland Thoroughbred Incentive Scheme, which allows registered 2YO and 3YO horses sired in the state to claim bonus money.
The QTIS 2YO Jewel on the Gold Coast will no doubt be a focus of buyers at the Magic Millions 2017, who will be selecting from 400 lots on March 20 and 21.
President of the Queensland Thoroughbred Breeders Association, Basil Nolan, was thrilled with the announcement.
“Having this race restricted to QTIS horses only is a wonderful initiative and gives everyone in the State a fair chance to compete,” he said.
“In my opinion, QTIS is already the best state-based incentive scheme in Australia, but the addition of events like this just take it to a new level.”
One of the leading studs in Queensland Glenlogan Park was full of praise for the new race with General Manager Steve Morley declaring it a great concept.
“I’m sure that having a quarter of a million dollar race available for QTIS youngsters is just the type of incentive that owners and trainers are looking for right now,” he said.
“We already race for phenomenal money up here in Queensland in these QTIS races each and every week, but having a big carrot to dangle at the end of it for 2YO’s is very exciting indeed.”
This year the Goldmarket Day will offer over half a million dollars in standard prize money and the potential for QTIS horses to secure as much as $105K in bonuses.
Racing Queensland’s CEO, Eliot Forbes said the 2018 race will enhance the stand alone Goldmarket race meeting that accompanies the March QTIS Sale.
“This race rewards Queenslanders, those that are supporters of Queensland bred horses and are committed to Queensland racing,” Dr Forbes said.