Movement of Mares Reminder

Stacey Silver • September 16, 2021

As we get through the first fortnight of the covering season, I’m pleased to inform you that TBA has not yet received any news of mares or breeders being unable to pass across state borders.
 
However, from our contacts within the agriculture departments in state governments, we have been told that other agricultural vehicles have been stopped at borders and refused entry due to failure to produce the appropriate paperwork.
 
It is important, therefore, to ensure that the drivers of all vehicles taking mares across state borders have the appropriate documentation. TBA has provided a guide to what is needed (see below) as well as template documents that you can use. 
 
We have also asked departments in QLD, NSW and VIC to notify border workers to expect increased movement of horses in the coming months. 
 
It is important that anyone moving breeding stock across state lines strictly follows the protocols set out in their permit. Governments have essentially given dispensation for breeders to use freight permits, but if there was a COVID outbreak linked to the breeding industry, this may lead to a change in approach for our industry. 
 
TBA will endeavour to keep you informed of any relevant updates but we also encourage you to monitor the state government’s websites (links below).
 
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any concerns.
 
Kind regards, 
 
Tom Reilly
Chief Executive Officer
Thoroughbred Breeders Australia
 

 Transport Of Mares Between Victoria And NSW

 
Anyone wishing to transport a mare across the Victorian state border must comply with the following protocols: 
 
1. Apply For A Permit
 
If you a travelling from NSW, you must apply for a Specified Worker (Low Workplace Interaction) Permit. This permit will be required for anyone coming from an orange, red or extreme risk zone. Please note the whole of NSW is currently recognised as an extreme risk zone. 
 
2. Adhere To The Following Conditions
 
If you’re eligible for a Specified Worker (Low Workplace Interaction) Permit and you’ve been in a red or extreme risk zone (such as NSW) at any time after the red zone or extreme risk zone commencement time in the last 14 days, you must:
 
If a Victorian resident travelling for work outside Victoria:

  • quarantine at your accommodation when not working or while traveling for work
  • get tested for COVID-19 at least once every 3 days during the time the permit is valid
  • only leave your vehicle or the accommodation where you are quarantining when working to undertake the work that makes you eligible for the specified worker permit (e.g. driving and unloading), and to:
  • access toilet and bathroom facilities
  • pay for fuel
  • purchase essential items
  • purchase takeaway food and drink
  • depart Victoria from an airport, seaport or railway station
  • must not carry any other person as a passenger in the driver’s cabin of a vehicle while traveling for work outside of Victoria, other than for the purpose of providing specified work in an occupation included in the Specified Worker (Low Workplace Interaction) List
  • minimise contact with others when not traveling for work outside of Victoria
  • wear a mask indoors and outdoors whilst traveling for work outside of Victoria

If you are a non-Victorian resident in Victoria (i.e. Coming from a NSW farm for a cover in Vic)

  • quarantine at accommodation when not working
  • get tested for COVID-19 at least once every 3 days during the time the permit is valid
  • you must not carry any other person as a passenger in the driver’s cabin of a vehicle, other than for the purpose of providing specified work in an occupation included in the Specified Worker (Low Workplace Interaction) List
  • only leave isolation to undertake the work that makes you eligible for the specified worker permit (e.g. driving and unloading), and to
  • access toilet and bathroom facilities
  • pay for fuel
  • purchase essential items
  • purchase takeaway food and drink
  • depart Victoria from an airport, seaport or railway station
  • minimise contact with others when inside Victoria
  • wear a mask indoors and outdoors unless an exception applies
  • only remain in Victoria for the period of time necessary to provide the work.

Other conditions apply. These will be clearly listed on your permit and as part of your application. To get a permit, you must declare that you accept these conditions.
 
  You can apply for the permit here.
 
3. Carry Copies Of COVID Safe Workplan And COVID Safe Freight Plan
 
At all times, drivers should carry of copy of your farm’s COVID Safe Workplan. They are also required to carry a completed COVID Freight and Transport Plan (they will need to complete one these for each separate trip). TBA have developed templates for your use:
 
  COVID-19 Safe Plan Template For Farms
  COVID-19 Safety Plan Template For Freight And Transport
 
4. Have A Permit To Enter NSW
 
The NSW government still requires those travelling from interstate for work to apply for a permit to enter the state. 
 
  This can be applied for here.
 

Transport Of Mares Between Queensland And NSW 

 
Anyone wishing to cross the QLD state border will have to abide by the following rules and restrictions: 
 
1. Complete A Border Declaration Pass
 
Breeders who are QLD residents and wanting to transport mares privately across the NSW border (ie. not with a commercial transport company) or to any other COVID-19 hotspot, will require a valid Queensland Border Declaration Pass (Freight and Logistics – F Pass) to re-enter the state.
 
Breeders coming from a designated hotspot outside of QLD (such as NSW) wishing to transport a mare to a QLD-based stallion will also have to obtain a valid Queensland Border Declaration Pass (Freight and Logistics – F Pass).
 
  You can apply for an F Pass here.
 
2. Adhere To Mandatory COVID-19 Testing 
 
If coming or returning from a COVID-19 hotspot (such as NSW), drivers will have to produce evidence of a negative COVID-19 test result received within 7 days prior to entering Queensland.
 
For QLD residents returning home, or if you are staying in QLD for an extended period of time, you must continue to be tested for COVID-19 on a rolling 7 day cycle until at least 14 days have passed since you have been in a COVID-19 hotspot outside of the border zone. Example: if your driver has evidence of a COVID-19 test four days prior to crossing the border, they must continue to be tested for COVID-19 every 7 days. This would mean that their next test would be within three days of arriving back in QLD and then every seven days after until 14 days have passed. 
 
3. Carry Copies Of COVID Safe Workplan And COVID Safe Freight Plan
 
At all times, drivers should carry of copy of your farm’s COVID Safe Workplan. They are also required to carry a completed COVID Freight and Transport Plan (they will need to complete one these for each separate trip). TBA have developed templates for you to use:
 
  COVID-19 Safe Plan Template For Farms
  COVID-19 Safety Plan Template For Freight And Transport
 
4. Keep Written Records
 
All drivers must keep written records of who they have come into close contact with while in QLD. If you are resident, you must keep the records for at least 14 days after returning home. These records should include: date, time, location and the person’s name and phone number.
 
5. Minimise Contact With Others
 
Queensland Residents: drivers who are QLD residents are not required to quarantine upon returning home but they must have no or minimal contact with the Queensland community while actively entering back and forth from COVID-19 hotspots ie. New South Wales. When travelling, they must only exit the vehicle to access rest stop facilities, refueling, and activities directly related to the purpose of the trip such as the unloading of a mare, or to meet required regulation activities such as workplace health and safety or fatigue management.
 
Non-Queensland Residents: while in QLD, non-residents must only remain in QLD for the time necessary to complete the essential activity, have no or minimal contact with the Queensland community while in the state and only exit the vehicle to access rest stop facilities, refueling, and activities directly related to the purpose of the trip such as the unloading of a mare, or to meet required regulation activities such as workplace health and safety or fatigue management. You must only stay in overnight accommodation when necessary to fulfil fatigue management requirements. No recreational activities are to be undertaken while in the state.
 
6. Have A Permit To Enter NSW
 
The NSW government still requires those travelling from interstate for work to apply for a permit to enter the state. 
 
  This can be applied for here.
 
Links to interstate permits:

Northern Territory

Truckie's Tips Lead to New Addition

By Stacey Silver • April 10, 2025
Most people will seek advice from trainers or owners when bringing a retired racehorse into their care.  But for Tamara Janus, it was a conversation with a horse transport truck driver that convinced her she had picked up a good one. Tamara signed on to be a Queensland Off-The-Track Acknowledged Retrainer earlier this year, having already been involved in the QOTT Program as an Approved Coach. The latest addition to her Upper Caboolture property has come in the form of retired racehorse Wairere Falls. The thoroughbred was trained by Chris Waller and raced at Flemington, Rosehill, Eagle Farm and Doomben over an almost five-year career that netted close to $600,000 in prizemoney. The gelding recorded six wins and 19 placings from 65 starts, having his last race at Eagle Farm on December 28 last year. Tamara said a conversation with Grandview Park Stud had led her to pick up Wairere Falls, but it was when the eight-year-old arrived at her property in mid-February that she knew she had made the right selection. “It’s always the same truck driver from Sydney Horse Transport - I think it’s the third or fourth horse I’ve had through Chris Waller, and every time, this truck driver has always got a little tidbit for me,” Tamara said. “He was two hours late arriving, so I thought ‘oh gosh he’s going to tell me that the horse is terrible at loading,’ or that he’s got all these problems. “I said, ‘oh apparently he’s pretty quiet?’ and the driver said, ‘quiet? This is the quietest thoroughbred I’ve ever met!’ “He told me even the 75-year-old lady who helps at Chris’ stables every morning and brought him to the truck said, ‘this thing’s just a real pet, you’re going to love him.’ “It’s always nice to hear that sort of information from people that do see them, especially the guy that transports them to and from the track quite often - he’s got a little bit more insight and I think he likes to have a chat!” Wairere Falls, who is called “Saint” around the property, has taken to his new life like a duck to water. Tamara said he had made the transition from the track to trail riding with ease. “Most of the country racehorses that I’ve taken out on trails are a little bit more used to it coming from the bush but for a horse that’s raced on mostly city tracks, he’s just going ‘oh this is great’ – he was looking through the trees and bush, and he was loving it,” Tamara said. “He’s great through all his obstacles, he is really good on his flat work, just super willing, and probably the most sensible off-the-track city horse I’ve taken out to a trail. “It’s still only early days, but the plan is to get him out to the local club that does competitive trail rides, and the local dressage club too.” Kicking off her riding career at Pony Club at just three years of age, Tamara achieved dressage success as a teenager and turned her focus to natural horsemanship, where she developed a passion for breaking in young horses and retraining older horses. Her love of training horses then turned into a full-time business 12 years ago, when she started TJ Equine. She has also competed in the Australian Brumby Challenge at Equitana, Coonamble Colt Start, Winton to Longreach Endurance Ride and Race to Ranch at Cowgirls Gathering, and competes regularly in dressage, agricultural shows, competitive trail rides, working equitation and team penning. In that time, she has retrained around 20-30 off-the-track horses for clients, but these days focuses on only having around one or two horses in her care at any single time. The 35-year-old explains how she decided to step back slightly from her busy workload, before signing up for the QOTT Acknowledged Retrainers Program. “A couple of years ago I went, I can’t do training and coaching and everything because I was just stretching myself too thin - I’ve got two young kids as well and thought I’m just going to really focus on the coaching side,” Tamara said. “As much as I love it, I just got the itch to do a bit of training again, and I didn’t want the constraints of having clients horses in and not being able to go anywhere. “So with the QOTT Program, I’m able to pick a horse, do a little bit with it, help it along its journey, and I’ve always had a thing for the off-the-track horses.” Since commencing as a retrainer, Tamara has taken on five retired thoroughbreds to retrain and rehome under the QOTT Program. She is also looking to retrain standardbreds as well while working as part of the program. “When a lot of people look for a horse, they don’t want a thoroughbred or a standardbred, but I think once they meet one, they change their opinion of it,” Tamara said. “They have such great work ethics coming from the racing industry - they have had a job and a career…they tend to be willing to go towards another vocation. “When they first come in, they don’t show a lot of personality but after one or two months, they’re like ‘this is who I am’ and we go from there. “I think it’s very rewarding and it gives me a bit of purpose because I do like giving back - it’s nice to do something to help horses along the way so they’ve got a future no matter where they go.”

TBQA Supports Flood Appeal

April 3, 2025
Thoroughbred Breeders Queensland Association would like to show our support to the embattled farming families and communities throughout Western Queensland who have been affected by the recent devastating floods. As farmers ourselves, we know the devastating impact this will have on the livelihoods of so many people for many years to come, because even after the initial cleanup, there is the rebuilding of property, livestock and crops. Our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by this disaster, we hope our donation to Rural Aid helps in some way. We would also like to encourage our members to donate either financially, or through fodder, horse rugs and equipment. The TBQA is supporting Rural Aid and you can find more information about them here https://www.ruralaid.org.au/ but there are many other worthwhile organisations that are seeking donations. Thank you for your generosity and support.

Understanding Pregnancy Loss

April 3, 2025
Each thoroughbred breeding region has unique characteristics, so it is crucial to have accurate information specific to each state. Information acquired from the Australian Stud Book indicates that pregnancy loss is highly variable across breeding regions. To address this pressing issue, it is essential to obtain state-specific information to assist breeders to reduce pregnancy losses. In determining how best to reduce pregnancy losses, it is important to understand the size of the problem, at what time of year losses occur, at what stage of the pregnancy most losses happen, the major causes of losses, and the influence of the environment on the mares. Work investigating pregnancy losses in the Hunter Valley region of New South Wales, completed in 2021 as part of AgriFutures Australia project The pathology and epidemiology of equine pregnancy loss (PRJ-011719), delivered interesting and unexpected results that breeders and their vets can use to plan how to reduce pregnancy losses. To improve the quality of the information collected, this project will continue the case-control study undertaken in that initial project and investigate Queensland studs as well as those in the Hunter Valley that participated in the earlier work. If you would like to participate in the study, that is being undertaken by Dr Joan Carrick, please contact her on joan@equinespecialistconsulting.com Find out more in the information brochure here

Les Young Scholarship

April 3, 2025
Calling individuals aged 18-25 passionate about a career in the thoroughbred industry. Applications are now open for the Les Young Scholarship, offering an opportunity to shape your career and undertake an international course at The National Stud in the UK. Learn more & apply here: The 2025 Les Young Scholarship | AgriFutures Australia

AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Advisory Panel Chair

April 3, 2025
Applications close 12 noon (AEST) 14 April Passionate thoroughbred breeding industry professionals wanted: Applications now open for AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Advisory Panel Chair. AgriFutures Australia is seeking a suitably qualified industry representative to join the AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Advisory Panel as Chair. This exciting opportunity is open to thoroughbred breeders, industry professionals, equine veterinarians and/or researchers who have an interest in contributing to the profitability and sustainability of the thoroughbred breeding industry. Learn more and apply here: Advisory Panel Recruitment | AgriFutures Australia

Look At Us Now

March 23, 2025
The Thoroughbred Breeders Queensland Association is very proud to unveil our new logo. This is the first time since the TBQA was established in 1949 that we have upgraded our branding. The logo was launched at the March Magic Millions Yearling Sale Welcome BBQ on Sunday, 23 March. This new look makes the TBQA easily identifiable and relatable. It's sleek, fresh and modern but we were very conscious of maintaining some of the tradition of the organisation and keeping the horse's head which was synonymous with our original logo, along with our maroon and gold colours - after all we are Queenslanders! Thank you to Ryan at Monocreative for working closely with the TBQA to create our new look. 

Own the Morning

March 20, 2025

Hore-Lacy Appointed CEO of TBA

March 20, 2025
Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA) and Aushorse have appointed Andrew Hore-Lacy as its next Chief Executive Officer. Following a comprehensive international search, Hore-Lacy, who currently is the head of horse racing at the Seven Network, emerged as the preeminent candidate to lead both organisations, owing to his vast experience and profound knowledge of the thoroughbred industry. In his role at Seven, Hore-Lacy leads a team of 15 full-time staff, responsible for the creation, development, and production of all horse racing-related content and programming. His tenure at the network has been marked by a series of innovative and successful initiatives that have significantly enriched the network's horse racing portfolio. Aushorse Chairman Antony Thompson said Hore-Lacy’s previous experience and passion for the industry made him the ideal candidate for the role. “Andrew has an authentic commitment for the entire racing industry and a deep understanding of the breeding sector's pivotal importance, alongside the many challenges faced by breeders. His robust background in communications, media and stakeholder engagement equips him with a diverse array of skills. We are excited to welcome him as the new CEO of Thoroughbred Breeders Australia and Aushorse,” Thompson said. “I am confident that Andrew will leverage his expertise, leadership acumen, and strategic foresight to not only advance the interests of TBA and Aushorse on both domestic and international stages but also to reinforce Australia's vibrant and robust breeding industry, which is revered globally.” TBA President Basil Nolan said the selection panel had been impressed with Hore-Lacy’s energy and commitment to building on the programs and initiatives run by TBA and Aushorse. “Andrew demonstrated a clear understanding of the work undertaken by the team, particularly in areas of education and training, as well as marketing initiatives such as the Investor’s Guide. He conveyed a compelling vision for enhancing these established foundations, and I am confident he will introduce innovative perspectives that will enable TBA and Aushorse to continue to thrive,” Nolan said. Before his appointment as Seven’s Head of Horse Racing, Hore-Lacy distinguished himself as a Senior Producer across a spectrum of sports, including AFL, horse racing, tennis, and the Olympic Games, further underscoring his versatile and comprehensive expertise in the sports and media industries. Hore-Lacy thanked the TBA and Aushorse boards for the opportunity. "I am honoured to take on the role of CEO and lead these organisations into the future,” Hore-Lacy said. “Working for Seven for 15 years has been an incredibly rewarding experience, filled with personal growth, meaningful challenges, and the opportunity to collaborate with an incredible high performing team. "I believe that the thoroughbred industry is a vital part of Australia’s cultural and economic fabric. My goal is to foster growth and innovation, ensuring that we continue to thrive both domestically and internationally. “I look forward to getting started and building upon the strong foundation laid by Tom Reilly and driving these organisations forward to new heights.” Hore-Lacy will succeed Tom Reilly, who was appointed CEO of the Melbourne Racing Club in January. Both Thompson and Nolan gave thanks to Reilly for his work leading the organisations for a decade. “It’s important to state how grateful I am to Tom for his work. Under his leadership the TBA started a host of education and training initiatives that have worked wonderfully,” said Nolan. Thompson added: “Tom has really driven the breeding industry forward in many areas. From an Aushorse perspective, he has really given the Australian industry huge recognition on the international scene and we’ve seen significant international investment as a result. I am sure he will do a great job at the MRC and everyone wishes him all the best in the future.” Hore-Lacy will commence his role with TBA and Aushorse in June.

All Roads Lead to Rocky in April

March 13, 2025
The Rockhampton Jockey Club’s annual Capricornia Yearling Sale (CYS) will be delivered Sunday 13 April at the Showground’s Robert Schwarten Pavilion, in the heart of the Beef Capital City. The Sale will be preceded by the Capricornia Yearling Sale Race Carnival on Friday 11 and Saturday 12 April. Exclusive to Sale graduates, the two main races are the 2YO Classic with prize money of $168,000* while $118,000* will be on offer for the 3&4YO Classic. Over the two-day carnival, connections will compete for over $640,000* in prize money. (*Including QTIS bonuses). The $30,000 Country Cup will be raced on Friday, while the $30,000 Mayor’s Cup is an integral part of the Saturday program. And at 11.00am on Sunday 13th April, the first of around 110 thoroughbred yearlings will go under the selling agent Magic Millions auctioneer’s hammer. Friday evening is a standout highlight of the weekend calendar, delivering excitement and anticipation with the Classic Race Calcutta in the Members Lounge. In response to feedback from owners and key stakeholders, the event will be even more thrilling this year with the addition of a second Calcutta, focusing on the contenders of the 3&4YO Classic. The highly anticipated night will provide a competitive atmosphere and opportunities to get involved in the action and excitement of the two marquee CYS races. This year there is likely to be strong representation from the racing hubs outside of Rockhampton and Central Queensland with Classic race starters expected to come from far and wide. At the Sale, thoroughbred nurseries and hobby breeders will be represented from all parts of Queensland, and Northern New South Wales. With a proud history spanning over 37 years, the Capricornia Yearling Sale remains one of the few Yearling Sale-Race concepts conducted by an Australian race club. Thanks to the expertise and support of the Magic Millions team, the event continues to thrive as a key date on the racing and breeding calendar. Don’t miss out – mark your calendar to make tracks to Rocky in April! www.callaghanpark.com.au/racing/capricornia-yearling-sale/

Magic Millions Yearling Sale Postponed - March 24

March 5, 2025
Magic Millions advise after careful consideration the Gold Coast March Yearling Sale will be delayed two weeks. Due to ongoing weather implications the decision has been made as early as possible to provide certainty to all stakeholders and participants. The 2025 Magic Millions Gold Coast March Yearling Sale will now commence on Monday March 24 and concluding on Tuesday March 25. The start times on both days will revert to 11am (Qld time). "The two week delay will be required so the sale can be held safely on the Gold Coast," Magic Millions Managing Director Barry Bowditch said. "We want to be able to provide certainty to all of those involved in the auction with Cyclone Alfred approaching the South East Queensland coast." "Magic Millions will always place safety for our participants and horses first and while changes will always create issues, this delay is necessary." "We thank our breeders, vendors, buyers and all other parties for their understanding at this time and we wish all people in the affected areas the best over the coming days." Latest forecasts from the Bureau of Meteorology predict gale force winds and substantial rainfall for the Gold Coast region over the coming days. The Gold Coast March Yearling Sale will be now held a week following the Adelaide Yearling Sale (March 17 and 18).
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