Racing Queensland has confirmed today’s start to the new breeding season will coincide with the launch of QTISx.
From September 1, RQ’s highly successful thoroughbred breeding incentive scheme, QTIS, will be expanded thanks to QTISx which will provide bonuses on black-type and feature races conducted in Queensland, along with a raft of additional enhancements.
For the first time, the winners of QTISx bonuses will have the option of ‘doubling up’ their winnings through the redemption of a voucher which can be applied to selected Queensland yearling sales, including the Magic Millions and Capricornia Yearling Sale.
Throughout 2019/20, QTIS registered horses will also be eligible for the following QTISx bonuses. They are:
- Group 1 Bonus – A $50,000 bonus – or a $100,000 sales voucher which can be redeemed on a QTIS eligible horse at four prescribed Queensland sales – across eight Group 1 races;
- Black-type Bonus – A $10,000 bonus – or a $20,000 sales voucher which can be redeemed on a QTIS eligible horse at four prescribed Queensland sales – across 75 additional black-type races; and
- Features Bonus – A $10,000 bonus – or a $20,000 sales voucher which can be redeemed on a QTIS eligible horse at four prescribed Queensland sales – across 20 additional feature races nominated by RQ.
To recognise – and reward – the Queensland breeding industry, RQ will also provide breeders’ bonuses, with $10,000 for Group 1 races and $5000 for the remaining black-type races and features prescribed above.
All QTISx bonuses are for winning horses only.
“QTISx is the latest initiative in our highly regarded thoroughbred breeding incentive scheme,” RQ CEO Brendan Parnell said.
“We unashamedly want people to back Queensland, buy Queensland and breed Queensland.
“Importantly, QTISx doesn’t just incentivise Queensland owners, it also recognises the invaluable role played by our breeders within the Sunshine State and acknowledges their excellence.”
While QTISx has been developed for black-type races, RQ has also announced a number of QTIS enhancements for the new racing season.
For the first time, age restrictions on QTIS races for non-TAB meetings will be removed, having previously been restricted to five-and-under.
RQ will also program four-year-old QTIS bonuses on selected open races in South East Queensland, with standard breeders bonus’ applicable.
Thoroughbred Breeders Queensland Association President Basil Nolan said the advent of QTISx was a positive announcement for the industry as a whole.
“It’s great to see Racing Queensland recognising and rewarding the state’s breeders and the essential role they play in underpinning the entire industry,” Mr Nolan said.
“QTIS has been a shining light for Queensland racing and the advent of QTISx is another way for RQ to support the long-term sustainability and viability of the breeding and racing industries.”
The first QTISx black-type race will be conducted at Doomben on Saturday, November 9 with the running of the listed Keith Noud Quality (1200m) at Doomben.
RQ will make further announcements into QTIS initiatives in the near future.