Devoted Deziree Roos crowned QOTT Acknowledged Retrainer of the Year
Stacey Silver • October 17, 2024
Deziree Roos is so committed to her coaching duties that she did not even consider cancelling on an annual pony club camp to attend the 2024 TAB Queensland Thoroughbred Awards.
The Oakhurst-based retrainer was crowned the Queensland Off-The-Track (QOTT) Acknowledged Retrainer of the Year – Thoroughbreds at last month’s awards ceremony.
“I feel very excited, and appreciated,” Deziree said.
“I do devote my entire life and my career into rehoming and retraining, so to be acknowledged for the hard work and the commitment that I give towards these thoroughbreds, it’s a nice feeling.
“I’d love to thank the owners and trainers of these horses because I know that the equine welfare prizemoney levy does help us do our job and that’s important to remember.
“My partner Cindy is also amazing - she’s the one who looks after 20-something horses when I go away for weeks at a time teaching kids.
“I couldn’t honestly do this many horses if it wasn’t for her keeping everything together at home.”
As well as retraining, Deziree runs competitions for retired racehorses, competes on them herself and coaches the next generation of riders.
Such was her devotion, she could not attend the awards ceremony in person in Brisbane.
Instead, she was busy educating future riders and industry participants at the Zone 15 Pony Club Queensland camp in Capella, north of Emerald.
“I’m gutted I couldn’t be there in person,” Deziree said.
“I had a four-day camp up there and I get rebooked every year so this was my fourth year up there, and it’s their 60th anniversary this year.
“When you’ve got 140 kids from all over out west and you only have coaches that come to them once a year, it’s a pretty big thing for them to have this many coaches in a big week like that.”
The 29-year-old has rehomed 31 horses since she came on board as an inaugural QOTT Retrainer in 2022.
Deziree knows more than most the important role that pony clubs play in developing skills and abilities.
Coming from a “non-horsing family,” she was a regular pony club attendee before her passion for the industry was ignited as a teenager, where she learnt a range of different disciplines.
“When I was 14 and went to a Christmas party at Wattle Brae Stud, that pretty much ignited the fire with the thoroughbreds - I caught the bug and have been involved ever since,” Deziree said.
“From then on, I worked either track work or stud farms and have been involved with the thoroughbreds whilst doing everything else.
“I think you can learn from everybody and probably the most important advice would be to travel and learn in different disciplines.
“When I was in Beaudesert, I worked with Brett Welsh at Allstars doing stock horses as well as riding trackwork, and I’ve worked overseas in America for hunters and jumpers - I have worked for every single discipline, and I’ve learnt something from all of them.
“I think that really helps to be successful because not a lot of horses learn the same way or respond to the same technique either, so you learn from everybody and it’s important to go and travel and work within different disciplines and then put it all together.”
Deziree’s favourite horse since entering the program has been Helsman, a gelding that came to her Carratum Park facility as a two-year-old.
While she is currently only retraining two horses, Deziree is committed to helping foster the growth of the QOTT Program.
“When I heard the QOTT program was starting, the first thing I did when I went home was started my application and that’s the fastest I’ve ever filled out paperwork,” Deziree said.
“I think the best thing about the QOTT Program is that it’s made the general public and probably the rest of the horsing community a little bit more aware of the versatility of the thoroughbreds.
“Not all of our retrainers are in Olympic disciplines and not all of us compete every weekend - we do have thoroughbreds doing everything from dressage and trail riding to cow horse, they’re useful for anything.”
RQ Senior Animal Care Manager Kim Duffy said that Deziree had made a remarkable impact with assisting retired thoroughbreds transition from racing to their post-racing lives.
“Deziree has a genuine love and passion for thoroughbreds and is a fantastic advocate for the breed - we are incredibly honoured to have her as a QOTT Acknowledged Retrainer,” Ms Duffy said.
“Not only is she a fantastic horsewoman, it’s also important to recognise Deziree’s continued efforts to educate trainers, owners, the equestrian community and the general public about life after racing opportunities for racehorses.
“I would also like to congratulate Amanda Benson who is a very worthy recipient of the runner-up award.
“Amanda joined us as a QOTT Acknowledged Retrainer in 2023 and hit the ground running, implementing a successful retraining model that is a true credit to her experience, professionalism and dedication to finding suitable homes for retired racehorses.
“It is incredibly important for the racing industry to recognise and celebrate our network of Acknowledged Retrainers that work tirelessly to improve aftercare outcomes for retired racehorses.”
• Need to complete a WAYBILL outlining what mares/foals are travelling, where they are going to, your PIC number, name and phone number of person in charge of transport. This needs to travel with the truck. • Need to complete a CATTLE TICK RECORD OF MOVEMENT on the DPI website within 48 hours of departure. The link to this is: https://app-cattletick.bfs.dpi.nsw.gov.au/login • Please note that to complete this ROM (Record Of Movement) you will also need to attach: * A seasonal letter from the Hunter Valley farm that your mare will visit confirming that the mares walking on to “stud name” from “your farm” will be staying in an area which does not contain pasture and/or will not be grazed by primary cattle tick carriers (cattle, Bison, buffalo or deer) at any time in the next 12 months. You will need a contact name/number and email for the stud that you are visiting. This letter can be dated in July or August of the year you are travelling and be used all season. * A seasonal letter from your farm declaring that ”the horses on this property have not had any contact with cattle for the last 12 months nor will they have any contact in the foreseeable future.” Again, this can be drafted in July or August and used as a duplication for each trip. * Your PIC number and the PIC number for the farm that you are visiting. * Registration number of transport and name of person in charge of transport. • Self Certification – ideally you should have someone on the farm who has completed the Cattle Tick Training and Education Module with the DPI. They then receive a certificate number which they need to complete every three years. If you are certified you quote your number on the Record of Movement Form. It is a lot easier and faster to complete the form if you are certified. If you are not self certified you need to get your horse/s inspected as outlined below: Clean manual inspection and treatment by accredited certifier or registered veterinarian. A biosecurity certificate or veterinarian certificate to authorise movement. The horse/s are moved within 48 hours of the inspection and treatment. All of this will be needed to complete the Record Of Movement. You can continue entering your details or save this form and return later. You will be unable to submit the form until you have received the biosecurity certificate that is required to be uploaded as an attachment at the end of the form. This form must be submitted no later than 24 hours before importation.
The Thoroughbred Breeders Australia is very proud to release the 2026 Aushorse Investor’s Guide. Each year, this publication offers a snapshot of the strength, momentum and global appeal of Australian racing and breeding, and the story it tells in 2026 is exceptional. With record prizemoney, outstanding opportunities for owners at every level, and world-class racehorses succeeding on the international stage, Australia continues to outperform every major jurisdiction. Whether you are a long-standing owner or considering your first step into the industry, the fundamentals have never been stronger. Australia now hosts more million-dollar races than anywhere else in the world, our yearling market consistently delivers value and returns, and Australian-bred horses are achieving results that highlight the quality of our breeding and training systems. This guide brings those facts together in one place. We hope you enjoy exploring what makes Australia such a compelling destination for racing and bloodstock investment, and we look forward to assisting you in any way we can.
Basil and Di Nolan and the TBQA Committee would like to extend condolences to the family of the late Mr Trevor Alexander. Trevor passed away peacefully on 23 October, 2025 aged 86. Trevor leaves behind his wife, Rhonda, his three children, ten grand-children and one great-great-grandchild. Trevor was a highly respected thoroughbred breeder based in Chinchilla and worked with many notable horses and trainers during his life.
Many of you will have seen recent reporting and commentary regarding the Pattern and the application of black-type guidelines in Australia. TBA recognises the gravity of the current situation for breeders, and we want to reassure you that we are actively engaged with the organisations currently charged with administering the system. Over recent weeks, we have been in regular discussions with the key players involved, emphasising the importance of a clear and well-functioning national Pattern for the benefit of Australian breeders and the wider industry. The current uncertainty highlights the need for clear processes, transparent communication, strong governance and oversight arrangements that give all stakeholders confidence that decisions are being made in the long-term interests of the industry. This includes ensuring the Pattern operates in a way that is consistent with the internationally recognised guidelines overseen by the Asian Pattern Committee (APC), while still allowing for the nuance needed to reflect the unique characteristics of Australia’s highly regarded and idiosyncratic racing and breeding landscape, including races of historic, traditional or cultural importance. TBA also believes there is merit in exploring an independent, industry-wide structure to support this work and help ensure the Pattern is managed in a way that reflects the long-term interests of all participants. TBA’s focus is on helping the industry move towards a practical and constructive resolution as quickly as possible. Breeders, owners, sales companies and international buyers all rely on a system that is transparent, credible and free from unnecessary disruption, and which supports long-term confidence and investment across the industry. We will continue to encourage the cooperation needed to achieve that. We will keep members and state breeding associations updated as this work progresses.
The variety of disciplines on offer in English riding has long provided a suitable pathway for racehorses to transition into their post-racing lives. But it is Western riding that is proving to be a new popular avenue for both thoroughbreds and standardbreds enjoying their off-the-track careers. The growing popularity of Western riding was no more evident than at the recent Cowgirls Gathering event in early October. Having started in 2021, the annual event is held at Kilkivan, west of Gympie, and features classes, clinics, competitions and interactive demonstrations with educators, along with live music and entertainment every night. Cowgirls Gathering Sponsorship Manager Vera Gentner said around 600 people had attended the three-day event over the King’s Birthday long weekend this year. “It’s basically a gathering and celebration of the Aussie cowgirl, and women who like the Western style of riding coming together in a safe space,” Gentner said. “There are so many different things to do, and you don't even have to take a horse, it can be with or without a horse. “Some of the top clinicians from around the country come and do the clinics and the demos and competitions, and it’s just a fabulous atmosphere and a lot of fun.” One event specifically tailored to showcase the potential of off-the-track horses is the popular Race to Ranch competition. The event includes groundwork, trail tasks, ranch-style obstacles, and low-pressure ridden activities, each designed to suit horses at different stages of their re-education journey. It was Sandra Hagan and former galloper Ghabbie who took out this year’s top prize, which included $500 from the Queensland Off-The-Track (QOTT) Program. QOTT Acknowledged Retrainer Alexandra Kelly finished second in the event with Flying Tyrol, while Hagan rounded out the placings with another off-the-track horse in ProGirl. Gentner said the Race to Ranch had been the perfect platform for retired racehorses to show off their new skills. “The participants only get a limited amount of time to show off that they can retrain a retired racehorse for a completely different discipline,” Gentner said. “There are a couple of different events in the Race to Ranch competition where they get to showcase their versatility, and it’s always a fun one to watch. “There's a bit of a freestyle one, a bit of dry work, a bit of mechanical cow, and a bit of an obstacle course called the ranch trail, so it’s awesome to see them getting a new lease on life and showcasing what they can actually do. “I always had that vision in my head of the off-the-tracks being hot and naughty and hard to handle, but they're just cool as cucumbers.” Event organisers are hopeful for a boost in the number of standardbreds entering the 2026 Cowgirls Gathering. The rise in popularity of Western riding, especially through recent TV series like Yellowstone, has seen a rise in participants keen to give the discipline a try. “I'm a Western rider but my daughter years ago used to be in Pony Club and English riding like showjumping and eventing and dressage,” Gentner said. “You saw plenty of retired racehorses there, and that was fantastic, but they're really starting to gain more popularity in the Western world. “I think events like Cowgirls Gathering make people's ears prick up and go ‘Oh wow, I never thought of that for an off-the-track horse,’ and that they’d actually like to give it a go. “So it makes people kind of stand up and take notice, and that's why that event is so popular. “I’ve got quarter horses and they’re obviously a popular breed for the Western shows and in all honesty, I would 100% be considering an off-the-track horse now, just because I've seen with my own eyes how versatile they are through Pony Club and through the western riding that I do.” Gentner said the support from the QOTT Program had proven to be extremely valuable in attracting a new crop of talent. The QOTT Program provided $1000 for the event which was split across the top four finishers in the Race to Ranch event. “It was decent prizemoney which we awarded to the first four place-getters,” Gentner said. “I think it just encourages people to nominate - the shows that I go to, if there is prizemoney involved it might be $25 and it does cost us to keep our horses. “So I think the prizemoney is definitely worthwhile and to have that support from Racing Queensland was just awesome.” Click here to read more about the QOTT Event Sponsorship Program.
The independent Queensland Racing Review 2025 is the most substantial review of Queensland's racing sector in over 25 years, covering all three codes. More than 1,200 stakeholders, owners, trainers, breeders, clubs, racing fans and animal welfare advocates across Queensland gave valuable insight into the industry. Now it's time to look ahead. Join us for the launch of the Queensland Government's response to the Independent Queensland Racing Review. This response reflects the Queensland Government's commitment to fostering a thriving racing industry across every track in the state. Event details Date: Saturday 6 December, 2026 Time: 9am - 10am (arrival from 8.30am) Location: Doomben Racecourse, Brisbane (Vo Rogue Room, second level of the public grandstand) If you had already registered to attend the postponed event, your ticket will automatically move to the new date — there's no need to register again. If you can’t make the new date, please reply to this email to cancel your ticket so someone else can attend. REGISTER HERE
Such is Amanda Benson’s love for all the former racehorses she has retrained, she struggles to single out one that has stood above the rest over the course of her career. And the Dulong-based retrainer could not contain her joy and excitement when speaking about the benefits of the Queensland Off-The-Track (QOTT) Program. Benson was crowned the QOTT Acknowledged Retrainer of the Year at the 2025 Queensland Thoroughbred Awards last month. It was second time lucky for Benson after finishing as runner-up for the award at last year’s ceremony, beating out fellow finalist Gemma Creighton. “It's a huge honour,” Benson said after receiving the trophy at The Star Brisbane. “I just love retraining all these beautiful horses that trainers and owners send me, and it’s a massive honour to win this.” Growing up on a 12,000 acre cattle and wheat property near Goondiwindi, horses have been a huge part of Benson’s life from a very young age through mustering cattle and attending pony club. She achieved her dream of becoming a professional eventing rider after finishing school in 1991, partnering with off-the-track horses from the very start of her career. Moving to the outskirts of Sydney in 2000 to be closer to the bigger competitions, Benson competed up to 4-star level in eventing, while establishing a large and successful equestrian business that provided agistment, horse training and coaching services. The 52-year-old relocated back to the Sunshine Coast Region in 2021, where the QOTT Program caught her eye in 2023. “When I could see what Racing Queensland were doing with the QOTT Acknowledged Retrainers Program, I thought that would be something amazing to get involved in,” Benson said. “And then I looked into it and could see the incredible support that Queensland Off-The-Track and Racing Queensland gives to all the retrainers, and then I started to get involved, and now I can't stop! “There are so many beautiful racehorses, and it's just so nice to find amazing homes for them when they've retired from racing.” Benson has 13 off-the-track horses in her care at the moment, having successfully retrained and rehomed 33 retired racehorses since joining the QOTT Program. The Chris Waller-trained Desert Icon has been one of her biggest success stories. After taking home almost $800,000 in career stakes on the track, the thoroughbred retired from racing at Ipswich last year. The eight-year-old is now kicking goals in dressage and showjumping competitions with his new 13-year-old rider Ruby. Benson said she got the greatest satisfaction from hearing updates about her retrained racehorses. “I love hearing from the new owners when they send photos and videos about the horses that we've sold them,” she said. “Just telling me how much they love their horses and how perfect they are for their new jobs, it’s extremely gratifying. “It's a wonderful thing for racing, and it's just great that life after racing has been promoted for all these horses. “They're bred to be world-class racehorses, and if they can be world-class racehorses, they can excel in any other role like dressage, jumping or camp drafting. “They can just have amazing careers and other lives after racing, so it's very important.” The property Benson shares with husband Brett features top-level equine infrastructure including three floodlit arenas, grassy post and rail yards and five turnout paddocks. The horsewoman was keen to thank the people who had helped her along the journey in the retraining space. “I would love to thank my husband, Brett, who does lots of work at home with fencing, and he has an endless list of jobs,” Benson said. “He has his own earthworks business, but he's also constantly doing my list of jobs (laughs). “Also thanks to a wonderful girl called Amy, who's 16 and has left school, and she comes and helps me every day with the horses and rides them and competes them. “We're a great team, and it would be really difficult without Amy's help.” “Obviously, the more retrainers there are, then the more horses we can all take after they retire from racing, and the more horses we can take in, the more horses that find beautiful futures after racing.” RQ Senior Animal Care Manager Kim Duffy said the Acknowledged Retrainer of the Year Award recognised excellence in the care, retraining, and rehoming of retired racehorses in Queensland. “It celebrates our dedicated network of Acknowledged Retrainers working behind the scenes to give these horses meaningful second careers across a wide range of disciplines,” Ms Duffy said. “This award shines a light on the vital role that retrainers like Amanda play in helping racehorses successfully transition into life beyond the track. “I congratulate Amanda on this well-deserved win, which is a testament to the exceptional skill, dedication, and consistently high-quality outcomes she delivers. “Her ability to match horses with the right homes and to support them as they develop in new roles speaks volumes about her values, professionalism, and depth of experience. “Retired racehorses deserve every opportunity to thrive in their lives after racing. Amanda’s achievement is a clear reflection of the progress being made through the Acknowledged Retrainers Program in delivering those outcomes across Queensland.” Click here for more information on the QOTT Acknowledged Retrainers Program.
The two-year-old season is officially underway with the first month of results to kick off the 2025-26 QTIS Premiership. View the 2YO QTIS results for October here Click here for the 3YOs QTIS Trainers' Premiership here
An incredible line up of racing's next generation of superstars has been unveiled with the online release of the 2026 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale catalogue . The country's undisputed number one auction for future success is ready to deliver again with the finest yearlings set to converge at Australia's holiday playground in what is shaping as a summer to remember. Australasia's best thoroughbreds breeders have all made strong contributions to a first class offering of 1,221 yearlings to sell from January 13 to 18. The star studded catalogue of yearlings across Books One and Two, includes progeny of 122 individual sires, with strong interest to surround youngsters by 14 first season sires. Among the pedigree highlights are (at least half) relations to elite level winners including Artorius, Benedetta, Cool Archie, Devil Night, Farnan, Golden Mile, Imperatriz, In Secret, Joliestar, Manaal, Sepals, Stay Inside, Stefi Magnetica, Sunlight, Super Seth and Yearning. The catalogue features 239 lots from stakes winning mares headlined by 31 Group One winners including Absolut Glam, Avantage, Graceful Girl, Hiyaam, Hungry Heart, Instant Celebrity, Krone, Levante, Loving Gaby, Mossfun, Odeum, Silent Sedition, Snapdancer and Unforgotten. "We are incredibly proud to present the catalogue for the 2026 Gold Coast Yearling Sale," Magic Millions Managing Director Barry Bowditch said. "This sale is firmly established as the best producing auction in the country - no better example being the six Group One winners from the 2024 sale - the competitor's edition achieved none." "From recent legends like Winx, Imperatriz and Alligator Blood to new pin-up performers Apocalyptic, Autumn Boy, Charm Stone, Cool Archie, Ole Dancer and Stefi Magnetica - the Gold Coast Yearling Sale delivers year after year." "Our team has worked hard in bringing together a catalogue packed with athletic yearlings that we think will give their buyers the ride of their life." "While the Gold Coast is renowned for producing short course performers such as Golden Slipper winners, our graduates are stars in the Classic races - from Guineas' to Derbies and Oaks' and let's not forget Knight's Choice - last year's Melbourne Cup winner!" To view the online catalogue for the 2026 Gold Coast Yearling Sale click here . It can also now be downloaded via the Equineline Catalog app for iPad. TAB GOLD COAST MAGIC MILLIONS CARNIVAL SCHEDULE Wed 7 Jan - Magic Millions Yearling Inspections commence, Magic Millions Sales Complex Sat 10 Jan - $7.3m Magic Millions Gold Twilight Meeting, Gold Coast Turf Club - 10 races featuring the $3m TAB Magic Millions Sunlight, $1.5m Racing Queensland Magic Millions QTIS & $1m TAB Magic Millions The Syndicate Sun 11 Jan - Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo & Showjumping, Doug Jennings Park Tue 13 Jan - TAB Magic Millions Barrier Draw, Kurrawa Beach, Broadbeach Tue 13 Jan - Magic Millions Yearling Sale, Day 1 from 11am (Lot 1-210) Wed 14 Jan - Magic Millions Yearling Sale, Day 2 from 10am (Lot 211-450) Thu 15 Jan - Magic Millions Yearling Sale, Day 3 from 10am (Lots 451-690) Fri 16 Jan - Magic Millions Yearling Sale, Day 4 Super Session from 10am (Lots 691-980) Sat 17 Jan - $13.25m TAB Magic Millions Raceday, Gold Coast Turf Club - 10 races featuring the $3m TAB Magic Millions 2YO Classic & $3m Gold Coast Magic Millions 3YO Guineas Sun 18 Jan - Magic Millions Yearling Sale, Day 5 (Book 2) from 12pm (Lots 981-1221)
Applications close 14 November - don't miss out