The 2016/17 QTIS Premiership winners were too strong, dominating for most of the season, and despite a last minute dash in the final four weeks for the title, no one could catch this year's winners – Krystle Johnston, John and Chris Meagher, Paradis Imperial and Our Beebee.
Johnston and Meagher have each won complimentary entry into the 2018-19 Magic Millions Series for a yearling that they purchase at one of the 2018 Magic Millions Sales.
Johnston won the coveted title of 2yo QTIS Premiership Trainer on Earnings, banking $162,950 worth of QTIS bonus prizemoney (general prizemoney not included in these figures) for the season. Last year's Premier, John Zielke, was second with $126,250 and Liam Birchley came in third, earning $117,950 in QTIS bonuses.
This is the second time Johnston has won the award, after taking out the 2013/14 season Premiership.
"To win this again is just wonderful and a huge achievement," said a Johnston.
"We've done this without having one big star, it's on the back of all our horses, which we breed ourselves and they're just so honest."
Johnston has dedicated the award to her entire family.
"Our whole family works hard and QTIS is a fantastic scheme that really helps our business, so I'm just thrilled.
"Hopefully we'll have a big star next season and we can do it again!" she laughed.
It was also a phenomenal season for Brisbane trainers John and Chris Meagher, winners of the QTIS 3yo Trainers Premiership.
"I'm really surprised and happy about this," chuckled a very thrilled John Meagher.
"QTIS is a fantastic incentive scheme and we're big supporters."
Meagher credits Savannah Amour and Heart of Australia as his
main contributors to the premiership.
The Meaghers' recorded twelve QTIS wins and banked $242,000 in QTIS bonus prizemoney to finish just a head of Ben Currie, who actually had thirteen winners and despite a late charge in the final month, couldn't catch the long term leaders and ended his season with $228,700. Stephen Tregea also had an impressive July and soared into third position on $188,000 in QTIS bonus prizemoney.
Incredibly, neither Currie nor the Meaghers train the horse that claimed the top QTIS 3yo for 2016/17 – Our Beebee. The consistent Red Dazzler filly is parked in the stable of Rex Lipp, and she earned an impressive $123,000 in QTIS bonus prizemoney, despite not coming into the season until fairly late. She won four QTIS races.
"It doesn't surprise me that she got the Premiership," said Lipp.
"She showed me plenty of ability early, but just wasn't mature enough.
"We had patience, and brought her in as a later 3YO and it was worth the wait."
Lipp said the filly is coming along nicely and he may take her south if she continues her form.
Our Beebee finished ahead of Thunder Raider (Dr Green) on $94,950 and Ringo's a Rockstar, by Lyndhurst Stud sire Drumbeats, collected $75,000 in QTIS bonus prizemoney to round out the 3YO trifecta.
There was no competition for the star of the 2yo season, Paradis Imperial. This smart filly, by Sun Stud sire Instinction, led from the first month and couldn't be chased down, collecting $125,400 in QTIS bonus prizemoney with seven QTIS victories.
"It's great to take the QTIS Premiership, we're absolutely delighted," said Tony McMahon, the trainer of Paradis Imperial.
"There's about ten owners, three of them have never owned a horse before and it's remarkable to buy her for just $9,000 and have these results."
McMahon doesn't train use conventional training methods on the filly. She spends her days in a paddock at Stanwell, just outside Rockhampton, she's stabled at night and is trained beside a car in a paddock.
"She's a freakish filly," said McMahon
"But I'm a realist, this may not continue, however if it does I'd love to contest the top 3YO races, or send her to Melbourne next year where she'll be better weighted."
Paradis Imperial had a clear win over Bring it Home Pop, by Champion Queensland sire, Rothesay who amassed $82,800 in QTIS bonuses with Craiglea Velvet third on $56,250.
TBQA President, Basil Nolan thanked Magic Millions for their ongoing support of the QTIS Premiership.
"This is a highly sought after title and prize," said Mr Nolan.
"Congratulations to all our QTIS Premiers. It's fantastic to see that everyone who supports our Queensland industry can reap the rewards and be recognized for their efforts.
"I'm sure everyone will be watching these QTIS statistics closely in the new racing season."
You can see the full results, and follow the statistics each month on the TBQA website www.queenslandbreeders.com.au
