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

National Thoroughbred Week Hosting

August 10, 2026
Last year saw the inaugural National Thoroughbred Week - a TransTasman program where Thoroughbred businesses across Australia and New Zealand open their gates to the public for free, providing a rare behind-the-scenes opportunity to showcase our wonderful industry. The 5-day event featured 105 hosts and over 5,000 visitors (with 97% saying they'd come back). It's on again this year - expanding to a 10-day program from 20–30 November. They're hoping to build on last year's success and are seeking hosts for this year's event. As a host, you run the kind of event you're comfortable with - an intimate group of visitors, a full open day, or a private event for a local school or community group, or partner with another local Thoroughbred business or race club to host a collaborative event together. We handle the national promotion, your registrations, and all the support around it.  If you're interested you can learn more here

QTIS Registrations Now Open for 2025 Foals

August 10, 2026
QTIS brochure information and nomination form for foals born in 2025 are now available. Any questions or concerns regarding QTIS payments, registrations and eligibility should be made to Racing Queensland - phone 07 3869 9709 or qtis@racingqueensland.com.au ELIGIBILITY A - Queensland Sired - FREE - Horse must be Eligibility A – QLD domiciled stallion - All obligations with ASB - mare returns and parentage must be carried out as normal. Imperative that this is submitted to the ASB for the Breeder Bonus purposes. - No requirement to submit any nomination forms or fees to RQ for Eligibility A horses ELIGIBILITY B - Breedback The progeny of a non-Queensland based stallion, provided the dam is covered by a Queensland domiciled stallion in the year the foal is born. Eligibility B (Breedback) must complete all obligations with ASB and submit nomination forms and payment as normal – Nothing has changed. FIRST PAYMENT A discounted First Payment of $770 (GST inc) made on or before 31 October 2025; OR A Late First Payment of $1,980 (GST inc) if First Payment is made after 31 October 2026 but on or before 30 June 2027. More details here

2026 QTIS Premiers Announced

August 4, 2026
Queensland's premier trainer, Tony Gollan, has once again stamped his authority on the state's racing ranks, claiming both the QTIS 2YO and QTIS 3YO Trainers' Premierships for the second consecutive year – an exceptional achievement that highlights his continued success with Queensland-bred horses. Gollan dominated both divisions throughout the season, amassing $186,875 in QTIS bonuses in the 2YO category with eight winners, before backing it up with another outstanding performance in the 3YO division, also produced eight QTIS winners to earn $362,750 in bonuses, securing a clean sweep of the premierships for the second year running. In recognition of his achievement, Gollan will receive free entry into the Magic Millions Race Series for any two yearlings he purchases at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale next March, thanks to Magic Millions. Leading the way among the QTIS 2YOs was Alberta Bound, by Dracarys, who produced an outstanding juvenile campaign with four wins for Townsville trainer Graham Hughes. The talented youngster finished the season as the highest-earning QTIS 2YO, collecting $63,150 in QTIS bonuses. The leading QTIS 3YO was Foreign Press, by Invader, who recorded two wins during the season for trainer Tony Gollan. The consistent performer topped the 3YO standings with $110,250 in QTIS bonus earnings. 

2026 Qld Champion Stallion

August 4, 2026
Top Performer: Chidiac (m. 2020 – Bewitchment). 13 starts 7-1-1 Earnings: A$1,111,750. For the fourth consecutive year, Better Than Ready has once again claimed the title of Queensland Champion Stallion, continuing his remarkable record as one of the state's most consistent and influential sires. During the 2025–26 season, his 278 runners produced 128 winners and 220 wins, including four individual stakes winners responsible for four stakes victories, while his progeny amassed A$10,378,727 in prizemoney. Impressively, this was the fourth year in a row that Better Than Ready has finished in the Top 20 Stallions in Australia. Leading the way was outstanding mare Chidiac, whose earnings exceeded A$1.1 million to finish the season as Better Than Ready's highest-performing progeny. Her success highlighted another exceptional year for the Lyndhurst Stud stallion, whose offspring continue to perform across metropolitan and feature race level. By More Than Ready, Better Than Ready has firmly established himself as Queensland's premier commercial stallion. Trained by Kelly Schweida during his own racing career, he retired to Lyndhurst Stud in 2016 and has developed into a cornerstone sire for the Queensland breeding industry, consistently producing quality performers with durability, versatility and class.  Year after year, Better Than Ready continues to set the benchmark for Queensland stallions, with his sustained success on the racetrack ensuring his lasting influence on the state's breeding industry and further strengthening the reputation of Lyndhurst Stud.

2026 Champion 2YO Sire

August 4, 2026
Top 2YO Performer: Boomelli (f. 2023 – Foxarelli). 6 starts. 3-1-1. A$240,100. Spirit of Boom has claimed the title of Queensland Champion 2YO Stallion for the sixth time, further cementing his standing as one of Australia’s greatest producers of juvenile talent. During the 2025–26 season, his 40 two-year-old runners produced 12 winners and 15 wins, including one individual stakes winner responsible for one stakes victory, while accumulating A$1,456,760 in prizemoney. The season's standout performer was the talented filly Boomelli, who enjoyed an impressive debut campaign, winning three of her six starts while also recording a second and a third. Her earnings of A$240,100 highlighted another successful crop for the Eureka Stud resident. A dual Group 1 winner by Sequalo, Spirit of Boom has earned a reputation for producing precocious, tough and durable racehorses that excel from an early age. His progeny continues to deliver consistent results on the racetrack, making him one of Queensland's most respected and commercially successful stallions.  The Queensland and Australian thoroughbred breeding industries farewelled Spirit of Boom earlier this year, marking the end of an extraordinary chapter in the state's breeding history. While his loss will be deeply felt, his legacy lives on through the outstanding horses he sired, with this sixth Queensland Champion 2YO Stallion title providing a fitting tribute to a stallion whose influence will continue to shape the breed for generations to come.

2026 Champion First Season Sire

August 4, 2026
Top Performer: The Barber (g. 2023 – Plumage). 1 start. 1-0-0. A$96,100. Barbaric has made an encouraging start to his stud career by claiming the title of Queensland Champion First Season Stallion for 2026. From his first crop to race, the Lyndhurst Stud resident was represented by nine runners, producing five winners and seven wins, with progeny earnings totalling A$232,165. Leading the way was the exciting gelding The Barber, who made a perfect start to his racing career with a debut victory and earnings just short of $100,000. His performance provided an early glimpse of the potential within Barbaric's first crop as the son of I Am Invincible begins to establish his reputation at stud. A Group-winning son of champion sire I Am Invincible from the stakes-winning mare Mimi Lebrock, Barbaric retired to Lyndhurst Stud with an outstanding pedigree and race performance behind him. His first runners have shown encouraging signs, providing breeders with confidence that he can build on this promising beginning in the seasons ahead.  Barbaric's success also completed a remarkable result for Lyndhurst Stud, which secured a quinella in Queensland's stallion honours, with Better Than Ready again crowned Champion Stallion. It is a fitting reward for the Darling Downs nursery, whose continued investment in proven and emerging stallions is delivering results both on the racetrack and in the breeding barn.

Qld's Best Broodmare to be Crowned at RQ Awards

August 4, 2026
Behind every champion racehorse is a champion broodmare. On Sunday, 30 August, Queensland's thoroughbred breeding industry will celebrate one of its highest honours when the 2026 Queensland Broodmare of the Year is announced at the Racing Queensland Thoroughbred Awards at The Star Brisbane. The prestigious award recognises the broodmare whose progeny has delivered the most outstanding performance during the 2025–26 racing season, and this year's finalists have each produced elite performers on the national stage. - Huss on Fire (dam of Rothfire) - Sheza Gypsy (dam of Sheza Alibi) - Transonic (dam of Abounding) Sheza Gypsy has been nominated following the remarkable season of her daughter Sheza Alibi, who established herself among Australia's best race mares with victories in the Group 1 Randwick Guineas and Group 1 Doncaster Handicap, along with Group 2 wins in the Sandown Guineas and Armanasco Stakes, and the Group 3 Vanity Stakes. Bred in Queensland by Fred and Desley Monsour, Sheza Alibi earned almost $3.72 million during the season to propel her dam into Broodmare of the Year contention. Huss On Fire receives her nomination courtesy of champion Queensland sprinter Rothfire, whose outstanding season included victories in the Group 2 Sydney Stakes and the Group 1 Doomben 10,000. Bred by Gleeson Thoroughbreds, Rothfire added more than $1.02 million in prizemoney during the season to further enhance his dam's impressive record. Completing the stellar line-up is Transonic, whose daughter Abounding continued her rise among Australia's elite sprinting mares. Bred by Telemon Thoroughbreds, Abounding claimed the Group 2 Tristarc Stakes and Group 3 BRC Sprint while accumulating more than $1.04 million in prizemoney throughout the season. While the racehorses earn the headlines, Broodmare of the Year recognises the mares whose influence shapes the future of Queensland's thoroughbred industry. Their progeny have competed and succeeded at the highest level, showcasing the strength of Queensland breeding on the national stage.  With three outstanding mares and three elite performers making compelling cases, the announcement of the 2026 Queensland Broodmare of the Year promises to be one of the highlights of the Racing Queensland Thoroughbred Awards as the Queensland racing and breeding industry comes together to celebrate the achievements of the 2025–26 season.

2026 Queensland Thoroughbred Awards

July 25, 2026
Celebrate the stars of Queensland thoroughbred racing at the 2026 Queensland Thoroughbred Awards. Held at The Star Event Centre in Brisbane, the industry’s premier awards event will recognise the outstanding achievements of the 2025/26 season, from metropolitan racing through to provincial and country tracks across the state. Join Racing Queensland as we honour the horses, trainers, jockeys, breeders, owners and industry participants who have helped shape another memorable year of thoroughbred racing in Queensland. With a showcase of excellence, achievement and contribution across the industry, the Queensland Thoroughbred Awards is a must-attend event for the racing community. Event details Date: Sunday, August 30, 2026 Time: 12:30pm – 5:30pm Venue: The Star Event Centre, Brisbane TBQA President, Basil Nolan will be officially inducted into the Queensland Hall of Fame and as a kind gesture, RQ is offering discounted tickets to TBQA members who would like to come and celebrate this special achievement. Code for discounts for TBQA members on single tickets is 25OFF for 25% discount. This doesn't apply to a table of 10 as they are already discounted. Tickets Here For event enquiries, including sponsorship opportunities, please contact Racing Queensland at awards@racingqueensland.com.au or call 07 3869 9777.

New EU regulations on Horse Transport

July 25, 2026
As our deliberations continue with the DPI regarding their proposed changes to Livestock Transport and its devastating impact on the Thoroughbred Breeding industry; the European Union has announced an exemption in their country - please read below: Progress Made On EU Transport Regulations "Progress has been made on EU animal transport regulations, the European Federation of Thoroughbred Breeders' Associations (EFTBA) announced on Friday. The initial drafts of the proposed Welfare in Transport Regulation had the potential to create significant challenges for the thoroughbred breeding sector, however the EFTBA was informed this week that revised wording has been incorporated into the draft legislation. The new wording is as follows: “Point 4a (Article 2, Chapter I, Annex I) provides an exemption for purebred breeding horses and donkeys (Equus caballus and Equus asinus) that are registered in the main section of a breeding book established by a breed society recognised under Regulation (EU) 2016/1012, provided they are not being transported for slaughter. “These breeding animals represent significant genetic and economic value. The high standard of transport arrangements typically applied to them, combined with close oversight from those responsible for their care, means welfare risks during transport are already minimised. For this reason, the transport of such animals, for purposes other than slaughter, is exempt from specific administrative and procedural requirements, namely mandatory stay periods at places of departure, journey logs, and journey time limits.” 

QOTT Grant Valuable for Valley RDA

July 17, 2026
They have been giving people with a disability the opportunity to ride and enjoy all the activities connected with horse riding since 1996. Now, the Valley Riding for the Disabled at Tallebudgera has received its own boost as part of the Queensland Off-The-Track Grants Program. The centre recently acquitted a QOTT Therapy Horse Grant, which helps fund the costs associated with veterinary treatment, farrier and feed for retired racehorses that are used as therapy aids. One equine participant that has greatly benefited from the grant in particular has been ex-racehorse Maltese Lovable, who has been with the Valley RDA since 2008. Valley RDA president Cliff Hitch said the funding boost had been crucial in ensuring the former thoroughbred galloper continued to be a vital part of the program. “He’s 24 years old now and required a considerable amount of veterinary treatment,” Hitch said. “He’s beginning to show signs of needing a lot of care and attention, which thankfully we had the funds from QOTT to be able to do that. “He's used for challenged riders both physically and mentally on a regular basis, however because of his ongoing health issues, he's not being used as much this last 12 months as we would normally expect. “We've had a good run out of him really, and we are all very, very fond of him. “He's cost us money to look after, and of course he's not earned us much money, so having the grant was absolutely essential to ensure that we could look after him.” Valley RDA has four horses in total which assist around 20 clients in getting a feel of what it is like to ride a horse. One of those horses, standardbred Up The Andy, is also benefiting from the grant. “We've had Up The Andy for a good few years now, eight years I think we've had him,” Hitch said. “He's been a good horse, in the same way as Maltese Lovable, he's not cost us much to keep and run, and he's been a good, quiet horse. “Unfortunately, he's developed the propensity to spook with birds or any quick moving objects…so long term we'll look at rehoming him. “It’s absolutely imperative that we got a grant like that to enable us to support him and those ex-racehorses, and from a financial point of view, we can break even.” The Valley RDA employs four senior coaches and a volunteer coordinator to assist with the program. Volunteers are trained to be able to handle the horses, to know how to saddle, how to lead and how to protect riders who are vulnerable. They are continuing to go from strength to strength with plenty of success stories across the last 30 years. “We also vet our clients as they're not all suitable for riding and sitting on horses for various different reasons, one of them being weight, and we follow the national guidelines which involves age, size, weight, etc,” Hitch said. “Some riders are able to balance better than others, and it’s a constant calculation. “We have two things here: one, we have dedicated volunteers who just love to see the progress that the clients make. “It's amazing, clients come in fairly uncoordinated in many respects, and you see them over a period of time, even years, how they change and develop. “Some of our clients we've had for 10 years and we've seen them growing up, and so the value for all concerned - the parents, the carers, and for our volunteers – is just immeasurable.” Valley RDA runs six lessons across Fridays and Saturdays, with a maximum of 30 clients. Hitch said there was a possibility to expand the program if they found the right horses to suit the riders. “We're actually actively right now looking for two replacement horses and we're looking at Off-The-Track horses as well,” Hitch said. “But we can't have them that are too big - anything over 15 hands is a bit high for side walkers to deal with. “So we're trying to restrict that, it's not an easy ask, and they've got to be super quiet horses, of course.” RQ Senior Animal Care Manager Kim Duffy said the QOTT Grants Program continued to play a vital role in strengthening long-term aftercare pathways for retired racehorses across Queensland. “Supporting not-for-profit organisations such as Valley RDA is an important part of ensuring retired racehorses can continue to make a positive impact in the community,” Ms Duffy said. “Through the delivery of therapy and rehabilitation programs, these organisations not only provide significant community benefits, but also create meaningful and sustainable second-career opportunities for retired racehorses in their care. “Whether through therapy work, education programs or recreational riding, these grants help ensure retired racehorses can continue to lead active, purposeful lives, and the work these organisations do has lasting benefits for both people and horses alike.” The QOTT Grants Program complements the various post-racing initiatives introduced by RQ over the past five years to support racehorse aftercare in Queensland.  These include the Subsidised Lessons Program, Acknowledged Retrainers Program, Event Sponsorship Program, Nutrition Education Hub, Safety Net Partnership with Save A Horse Australia, Premium Event Partnerships, QOTT Education Program, QOTT Clubhouse, the New OTT Owner Welcome Pack and the On-site Humane Euthanasia Program – Equine.