Thoroughbred Breeders Queensland Association

The TBQA is proud to support and partner the Australian Industry Trade College Equine Academy and congratulate them on their growth of the Academy. The College now has almost 40 young people in the academy across five schools in southeast Queensland. These numbers are set to grow to 50 after our July intake. We have many young people who are aspiring trackwork riders, a couple of jockeys, stable-hands, farriers, equestrian coaches, and equine vet nurses, to name a few. They recently concluded the first ever AITC Residential Industry Training Equine (RITE), which has now become an integral part of the Equine Academy. This immersive program spans the first two weeks of the Certificate II Racing (Stable-Hand) course and takes place at Racing Queensland's training centre at Deagon Racecourse in Brisbane. The impact of the RITE program has been truly invaluable. It provides our young participants with a fully immersive training experience, empowering them to confidently pursue their pathways in the racing industry. Through this program, they gain real skills, real-life experience, valuable connections, and numerous career opportunities. You can find out more here

Industry Notice Pre-race veterinary exams required for 2024 Winter Carnival Group 1 and certain 2YO races 10 April 2024 Following on from the success of pre-race veterinary examinations during Magic Millions earlier this year, the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission ( QRIC) will bolster its animal welfare initiatives with a requirement for pre-race veterinary examinations to be held on the day before certain Winter Carnival races. QRIC Lead Veterinarian Dr Anil Prabhu said this is an opportunity for trainers to work closely with QRIC veterinarians in identifying any recent issues that may affect the suitability of the horse to compete. "We aim to work with you to identify horses that are at risk of suffering a catastrophic injury and to protect the integrity of racing and the interests of the betting public by preventing horses that are identified with detectable injuries or veterinary conditions that may affect their race performance, " Dr Prabhu said. "All horses accepted to run in Group 1 events and 2YO Group 2 and Group 3 races, as well as the MAGIC MILLIONS NATIONAL 2YO CLASSIC and BATTLE OF THE BUSH FINAL, must take part in a veterinary trot-up pre-race inspection on the Friday prior to the race day on Saturday, with the exception of the MAGIC MILLIONS NATIONAL 2YO CLASSIC on Friday night, 24 May, 2024 where inspections will take place on the Thursday 23 May, 2024. "Veterinarians request that connections also provide any relevant information about their runners that will assist the QRIC veterinary team." This requirement will come into effect on Friday 10 May, 2024 prior to the KEN RUSSELL MEMORIAL CLASSIC GR3 2YO on Saturday 11 May, 2024 at the Gold Coast. The Commission will contact the connections of all runners to arrange a time for their examination. Pre-race veterinary examinations will be held prior to the following Winter Carnival events: 2YO races · KEN RUSSELL MEMORIAL CLASSIC GR3 2YO SW 1200M $200,000 · SPIRIT OF BOOM GR2 2YO SW 1200M $300,000 · MAGIC MILLIONS NATIONAL 2YO CLASSIC SW 1000M $1,000,000 · BRC SIRES' PRODUCE GR2 2YO SW 1400M $1,000,000 Group 1 races · DOOMBEN 10,000 GR1 WFA 1200M $1,500,000 · DOOMBEN CUP GR1 WFA 2000M $1,000,000 · KINGSFORD SMITH CUP GR1 WFA 1300M $1,000,000 · QUEENSLAND DERBY GR1 3YO SW 2400M $1,000,000 · QUEENSLAND OAKS GR1 3YO FILLIES SW 2200M $700,000 · STRADBROKE HCP GR1 HCP 1400M $3,000,000 · JJ ATKINS 2YO SW 1600M $1,000,000 · TATTERSALL'S TIARA GR1 F&M WFA 1400M $700,000 Additional Race · BATTLE OF THE BUSH FINAL HCP SC 1200M $200,000 If you have any questions about pre-race veterinary examinations, please contact v ets@qric.qld.gov.au or thoroughbredstewards@qric.qld.gov.au .

Everyone recognises the loud, gravelly voice, beaming smile and positive attitude that is Stan Johnston. He has travelled hundreds of thousands of kilometres across Queensland during his years of racing and helping those in need. Stan was originally a dairy farmer, before gradually converting Craiglea, at Kenilworth near the Sunshine Coast to a spelling complex from 1974 alongside his wife, Marilyn, their two sons Wade and Jason and daughter, Krystle. They started with one stallion and a few mares growing to a peak of six stallions (Manshood, Waterford Road, Warhead, Citiwyse, Moon Rocket, Top Echelon and Frisco View) and 150 mares, before converting back to a dairy farm over the past three years. With Stan’s happy go lucky nature, it’s no surprise that every day is a highlight to him, but he particularly loved winning races because he bred to race, not to sell, and top gallopers ‘Falvelon’ and ‘Calaway Girl’ were reared at Craiglea. It was common to see the blue and white Craiglea colours on three or more horses in any one race on the country circuit. On January 15, 2010 Craiglea gained worldwide recognition by having the first seven runners home in an eight horse 2YO race at Mackay and on January 30 repeated that effort with their five runners the first four home in a nine horse race at Rockhampton. Craiglea trainers, Peter Fleming and Stan’s daughter, Krystle have both gained honours as leading QTIS 2YO trainers. Stan has been on the TBQA committee since the year 2000, serving as Vice President since 2010, playing a pivotal role in the growth of QTIS and as a huge advocate for country racing. But his lasting legacy is probably the generosity and support for families in need in country areas. In the past 15 years Stan and Marilyn have tirelessly raised funds and coordinated donations of food and goods as well as stock feed to supply to families who suffered through extended drought periods or severe flooding. In only the way Stan can, he would rally people to donate goods or food and then he would load up his trailers and travel hundreds of kilometres to deliver the goods. All these efforts were done at his own cost and time and with a desire to help others. It was only fitting that Stan was honoured with Lifetime Membership of the TBQA at the recent Gold Coast March Yearling Sale, alongside his long-time friend and TBQA President, Basil Nolan. It was a wonderful opportunity to recognise Stan’s massive contribution to the racing industry and his wonderful generosity to those in need. Stan's longtime friend, and another person synonymous with country racing, Rob Luck has kindly provided the following information, outlining some of Stan's larger, generous contributions: * Craiglea Stud has enjoyed Listed success with Executed and city success with multiple winners carrying the Craiglea moniker- Craiglea Wandoo, Craiglea Falcon, Craiglea Deken, Craiglea Charm, Craiglea Warrior and Craiglea Blondie.n Craiglea horses have tasted success in many country races including three Longreach Cups, Blackall Cup and Tree Of Knowledge Cup. * Stan has helped the promotion of country racing by coordinating with Radio TAB and sponsoring the Bush Beat program to help get it off the grounnd. Hosted by Tony Clements and Rob Luck, the show, which promotes results and anything pertinent to country racing, now enters its 21 st year of broadcasting. * As a breeder, Stan has been supporting the research into Ross River Virus in racehorses over a 10-year period to the extent that it is now recognised as a genuine illness in horses and has ongoing research. Marilyn has regularly improved horses’ conditions through use of homeopathy methods. * 2010 - Stan organised the "Hay drive" and transported horse feed to Rockhampton trainers after flooding in area plus offered free transport and agistment to any horses in need of spelling. This expanded into multiple projects involving donations and support from businesses in affected areas to assist people in desperate need of support due to effects of drought and flooding. These Hay runs continued until 2019 with Stan delivering to families as far as Julia Creek and Cunnamulla. * 2015 - Stan received a Racing Minister’s Award for Service to Country Racing not only for items above but for continued support to racing and non-racing people in need. * 2016 - Stan was so moved by the story of Kadence, a young girl in the Mount Isa area who had lost her pony not long after her older sister, Peyton died. It was a very traumatic time for her family who were unable to even provide a headstone for Peyton’s grave. Through support from the Maleny Show Society, Gympie Lions’ Clubs and staff of Mount Isa School of Distance Education, Stan was able to have two retired racehorses donated to the family, have a headstone engraved and provided Kadence with an iPad, horse gear and a basic vet kit. * Longreach LSODE Ipad and Drought Appeal - after multiple hay runs to this area, Stan and his family identified the need to support families in need through the Longreach School of Distance Education. The area was in the midst of a ten year drought that had caused families to be struggling with basic food needs, education supplies and maintenance of kid’s ponies. Stan approached numerous service clubs, the RNA (Royal National Agricultural Association of Queensland) and called for individual donations. Almost $40,000 was raised, enabling families to access basic supplies from the Longreach Foodworks. Christmas hampers and toys were also supplied to children. Identifying educational needs Stan and his sponsors were able to provide free of charge 150 IPADS to children in the LSODE catchment. With drought causing many families to no longer being able to support the cost of maintain kids’ ponies Stan organised two drops of retired racehorses which were retrained for property use and donated to families as far as Richmond and Windorah. Eight horses were donated along with saddles, bridles and horse gear purchased through the local Longreach saddlery. To top off the donations, Stan had also gained the donations of Akubra hats to gift to parents of LSODE. * Rewired Project - following floods in the Northwest Queensland area, Stan responded to requests from affected properties which had suffered substantial fencing losses. Through support of Kenilworth businesses, Stan and his team of helpers were able to supply 33 kilometres of fencing which was transported to affected areas to ensure graziers could reestablish paddocks for stock. In all of these projects Stan engaged the support of the TBQA and promoted the requests for assistance through Bush Beat. Wherever possible he supported local businesses in the affected areas by directly buying supplies from, or injecting funds into those businesses. These are all examples of amazing efforts of generosity with Stan and his family freely giving their time and costs whilst still running their stud and racing operations. It is no wonder Stan Johnston and the Craiglea name are synonymous with country racing and helping people in need.

It was wonderful to honour Thoroughbred Breeders Queensland Association President, Basil Nolan with Life Membership of the TBQA at Magic Millions Welcome BBQ at the Gold Coast March Yearling Sale last month. Basil was recognised for a lifetime of commitment, dedication and service to the breeding and racing industries. Basil joined his parents in the operation of Raheen Stud in 1963. Raheen was established at Gladfield, near Warwick in 1957 and is now one of Queensland’s longest standing and most respected thoroughbred nurseries. Basil took over the running of the property when his father died in 1972, juggling those commitments alongside his extremely successful bookmaking business which he operated for 22 years from 1965 to 1987. He reluctantly left the industry due to dwindling attendances at race meetings when Sky Channel was introduced and he turned his attention solely back to breeding. Basil and Di were blessed with two sons, four daughters and 20 grandchildren and their family is their heart and soul. Raheen remains a family run business and went from strength to strength under Basil and Di’s hard work, initiative, and acumen, growing from the original 700-acre property, a stallion and a few broodmares to now boasting over 4,000 acres, a highly sought after stallion in Heroic Valour and more than 70 of their own broodmares. It remains a family run business with daughter-in-law, Natalie and grandchildren, Basil, Lily, James and Will all playing significant roles, as did the much loved and respected Basil Jnr who contributed so significantly to Raheen’s strong reputation and success as one of Australia’s premier breeding grounds. If they’re not on the farm or at the sales, you’ll find the family at the races cheering on one of their runners. But Basil hasn’t just focussed on his own success. He has dedicated countless hours to numerous organisations, working hard for the betterment of the breeding and racing industry Australia-wide. You would be hard-pressed to find someone in this industry who has gone above and beyond consistently for over six decades; remaining stoic and true, and fighting with such determination for everything from research projects and animal welfare issues to improving QTIS and increasing prizemoney. Basil’s service to the industry is second-to-none. He has been on the TBQA committee since 1969. He was President of the TBQA 1980-1991 and served on the board of the Queensland Principal Club (QPC) for three years, along with being a delegate to the Australian Bloodhorse Breeders for 13 years. He returned to the helm of the TBQA in 2010 and has maintained the Presidency since then, along with being given the honour of the President of our federal body, the Thoroughbred Breeders Australia since 2014 of which he had been a board member since 2005.  Basil has witnessed, and instigated, numerous changes to our industry over the years and has enjoyed many highlights including having the 1959 Oaks winner, ‘Golden Stockade’, selling a Commands colt for $480,000 in 2007 and the success of dual G1 winner ‘Hard to Catch’ (by Raheen sire, Dodge).

Alpine Edge will stand at Clear Mountain Fairview on the Darling Downs, Queensland as a 2024 freshman sire. Standing at a fee of $7,700, the Group winning son of Better Than Ready, is an exciting addition to the Queensland breeding ranks. Alpine Edge was an exceptional two-year-old, winning his first two starts at Group and Listed level, including the Group 3 B.J. McLachlan Stakes, prior to Christmas. Alpine Edge’s racing career saw him collect over $1.8m in earnings and a long list of achievements while in the Toby Edmonds racing stable. Breeder and part-owner, Richard Foster is thrilled that Alpine Edge will stand at stud in Queensland, allowing breeders to access two-year-old blood for successful QTIS racing. “Alpine Edge offers a unique combination of the famous La Troienne dynasty that has produced early two-year-old’s that train on to champions, for nearly a century around the world. “His sire, Better Than Ready and grandsire, More Than Ready are loaded with descendants and his dam, Freezethemillions, who is also loaded with descendants, was a talented two-year-old herself. “Alpine Edge carries this line in all four quarters of his pedigree giving him an extremely prepotent genetic makeup, free of Danehill,” Foster ended. Clear Mountain Fairview Stud Principal, Bob Frappell, is delighted with the addition to their stallion roster. “When the opportunity arose to stand Alpine Edge, we jumped at it because it is rare to stand such an exceptional two-year-old performer,” stated Bob Frappell. “Alpine Edge is a beautiful looking horse with a superb temperament, so breeders can send mares confident their foals will be similar to their father’s disposition. “Alpine Edge enables breeders to obtain QTIS eligible progeny that will be ready to hit the ground running as juveniles, just like their sire. “Alpine Edge represents incredible value at $7,700, a fraction of the service fee of his sire,” Frappell said. Shares are available in Alpine Edge at $16,500 which includes two nominations per year for the life of the stallion. Frappell believes Alpine Edge represents true value for money. “This is a unique investment opportunity which allows breeders to get involved with owning a stallion at an affordable price,” said Frappell. “Alpine Edge has an exciting future as he embarks on his next journey as a stallion at stud,” Frappell ended.