TBQA Welcomes Labor Support of Queensland Racing

Media Release - Monday November 13

The Thoroughbred Breeders Queensland Association has applauded the Queensland Labor Government for its support of the breeding and racing industry.

Labor has announced an election commitment of $17.5 million per annum over four years, a total of $70 million, to fully fund the cost of country non-TAB thoroughbred racing for Queensland.

Currently non-TAB racing is only partially funded, and the existing support package of $21 million over four years is due to expire in two years.

"This new commitment will provide confidence for the racing industry and a much needed boost to prize money," said TBQA President, Basil Nolan.

Mr Nolan said the racing industry injects around $1.2 billion dollars into the State's economy every year and provides 42,000 jobs directly plus thousands more indirectly, but it can only survive and grow with financial support from the State Government.

Both the NSW and Victorian Government's invest heavily in their racing industries and are reaping the rewards, but unfortunately Queensland has never had that sort of support. Mr Nolan hopes that the tide may be turning.

"It is fantastic that the Labor Government has recognised how important this industry is, and that they're prepared to pledge this commitment.

Advertisement

"Country racing is the backbone of this industry, and if these grass root participants have confidence and are willing to invest in the industry then the flow-on affects are enormous."

Country and non-TAB racing in Queensland impacts on 105 country towns conducting more than 260 race meetings and Queensland has the highest proportion of non-TAB racing in Australia.

Racing Queensland has indicated in a recent statement that with non-TAB racing fully funded, $8 to $10 million per annum could be redirected from the RQ budget back into industry support and prizemoney for TAB races. The total package would allow RQ to redirect funds from non-commercially viable operations into areas that will drive wagering, improve the racing product, and boost returns for all.

"Labor's $70 million promise is certainly a step in the right direction and I look forward to seeing what the LNP has to offer," said Mr Nolan.

TBQA Release

Advertisment
More Reading...
Second Wootton Bassett Son Added to Coolmore Stallion Roster for 2026
Set to join Camille Pissarro as the second G1 winning son of Wootton Bassett on the stallion roster for Ireland in 2026 is Henri Matisse, who this time last year was about to claim his first G1 victory at the Breeders Cup meeting at Del Mar.
Pedigree Watch - Powerhouse Godolphin 3YOs Dominate
The current crop of three year-olds running for Godolphin lay claim to being the best they have ever produced in Australia and three of those colts won Group races in Australia on Saturday so let’s take a look at those pedigrees.
Doubtland 2YO All On Red Smashes Them Again at Ascot
Widden Stud's Doubtland has a potential 2YO topliner in Perth in the shape of exciting WA colt All On Red, who remains undefeated from two starts after another comprehensive Ascot Saturday win.
Good News Week for Geisel Park
Geisel Park’s black-type mare Laced Up Heels is in foal off a maiden cover to Champion Australian Sire Zoustar and an orphan foal has found a new mum.
Hi Yo Sass Bomb Wins G3 on Sunday
Kim Reid bypassed a Group One in favour of Sunday’s Gr.3 Gee and Hickton Funeral Directors Thompson Handicap (1600m) at Trentham with Hi Yo Sass Bomb, a decision that paid dividends when the mare led from the outset to claim her third stakes success.
Sires With Winners - Friday October 24
Here is the full list of 60 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
A Century of NZB National Yearling Sales Success: Cox Plate
Moonee Valley’s A$6m Group One WS Cox Plate (2040m) is known as the weight-for-age championship of Australasia and has been won by many of Australia and New Zealand’s greatest thoroughbreds.
Wootton Bassett Colt Leads Coolmore G1 Trifecta
The last British Group I race of the flat season was run overnight at Doncaster with Aidan O’Brien producing a trifecta of two year-old colts led by a son of the late Wootton Bassett (GB) in Hawk Mountain, who was too good for a pair of Frankel colts.
Transatlantic Takes $1million Five Diamonds Prelude
Transatlantic’s lucrative spring carnival continued at Randwick with an arrogant victory in the $1m Five Diamonds Prelude.
Early Return Home for Cogburn
Group I winning Not This Time son Cogburn (USA) will return to WinStar Farm in Kentucky earlier than planned after disappointing fertility results during his first Australian covering season at Widden Stud.