Refero's New Career
July 26, 2025
A retired racehorse that is similar to a ‘Formula One car’ may not sound like he has the best temperament to make the transition to the dressage arena.
But it has been the journey of former galloper Refero that shows persistence pays off, according to Queensland Off-The-Track Acknowledged Retrainer Danielle Hess.
The gelding had two wins from just 10 starts at the track under the guise of leading Brisbane trainer Tony Gollan.
Retiring from racing in November 2022, Refero was moved to the Gollan’s spelling facility at River Junction.
It was there that he came to the attention of Danielle who was looking for a new addition to her Kobble Creek retraining stable.
“We know Tony and Jane Gollan quite well and I'd asked Jane to keep an eye out,” Danielle said.
“Jane said to me that he was a horse with a lovely temperament, and to come and have a look at him - I didn't even go and have a look. I just said, ‘I'll come and pick him up!’
“Refero was meant to be a project…but he definitely wasn't my first pick to be a team member when I first had him in the stable.
“He's been with us now for two and a half years, and we sort of started getting it together about this time last year, and I started seeing the promise in him.”
The thoroughbred out of I Am Invincible/Ella Listo is known as “Roy” around the Bunya Springs Equestrian facility, which Danielle runs with partner and fellow eventing rider James Ferrier.
Danielle admits it had been a challenge initially to bring Roy up to speed with his new life.
“He's quite a hot horse due to his breeding, they're quite known for their life after racing being a little bit trickier,” Danielle said.
“My partner refers to Roy as a Formula One car, specifically a Red Bull car, in that he's quite touchy and he's finicky.
"He has ridden him a little bit and he said he's very twitchy, and your balance in your seat has to be very quiet but very adjustable.
“You've got to get him right, but if you've got him driving forward, he's the most incredible horse.”
Danielle engaged the help of QOTT Subsidised Lessons Program Coach Rebel Morrow to help bring Roy up to speed with eventing.
The 31-year-old said the challenge of taking on the six-year-old gelding had helped her in the development of her own skill set.
“It took a long time for us to put it all together, and I've had to really work on myself and find more tools in the toolbox for him,” Danielle said.
“He's not how I trained horses in the past, but that's why I went and got a bit of help from another QOTT Approved Coach to help along the way, especially in those early days with him.
“I've known Rebel for many, many years, and she's had great success on thoroughbreds, and it was just a no-brainer for me.
“I think there has been a big change in my riding - not every thoroughbred is going to be the same, and he's opened my eyes into how to school them in another way.
"Without Rebel saying, 'Keep this horse, he's going to be really cool,' I may have had him more as a project versus now a horse that is on my team."
Roy has since gone on to become a star in in the dressage arena, winning the QOTT high point award at the RM Equestrian Centre Mike Williams CC & QLD OTT ODE in April.
With the thoroughbred recently moving up into the one-star class, Danielle is now eyeing off the Equimillion event hosted by Racing NSW in October.
“He was brilliant last year down there, and finished fifth in both his classes…we are trying to get to more interstate events,” Danielle said.
"Because they are up against performance-bred horses, getting a bit more acknowledgement for the thoroughbreds in these classes and getting up in those places is really exciting.
“He's got a really good gallop on him. I think that as an eventing horse, especially at a higher level, making time on cross country and having a thoroughbred that can be fit is such a necessity, because it does put you above the warmbloods.
“It gives you that little bit of an advantage against the warmbloods – thoroughbreds may not always compare to performance-bred horses when it comes to movement, but speed and agility is something they do have, and it's something that I can see that Roy is going to have up the grades.
“It looks really promising that he's going to be quite a quick horse on cross country, and that's a really important phase in our sport to get right.”
Danielle first teamed up with an OTT thoroughbred as her first horse as a teenager while part of the Hendra Pony Club.
Prior to becoming a full-time professional rider, she worked for the Education Department at Racing Queensland, before heading to work at Belcam Stud to pursue her dream to ride and coach as a profession.
She eventually created Bunya Springs Equestrian, and now has six horses in total at her property, including four horses within the QOTT Program.
Who Da Kid, formerly trained by the late Pat Duff, was Danielle’s first success story, being her first horse to reach the two-star class in eventing.
Chris Waller and the Corey & Kylie Geran team are among other trainers who have sent their former racehorses to be trained by Danielle.
Joining the QOTT Acknowledged Retrainer Program in January 2024 has further confirmed her love and passion for her profession.
“The best part is getting to do this every day of the week…the amount of people that I've met throughout the QOTT Program has been great and I've met so many new trainers,” Danielle said.
“Just building such an understanding of that link between the racing industry through to the equestrian industry, being that in-between person is so special.
“I think a lot of people forget that we are extremely lucky to have those contacts, and I love hearing from them, and they love hearing about how their horses are going.
“I spoke recently with Corey Geran about two of the horses that I've got here from him and he's based up at Toowoomba.
“I think that's really lovely - there's been a big change in the industry with how we can meet these two different sports and have these beautiful relationships with people.”
Danielle will also be looking for further showjumping success with former galloper Lockheed Lightning.
The pair finished 15th in this year's Queensland Off-The-Track Cup Final at the Magic Millions Polo & Showjumping Day.
Determined to climb up the standings in next year's Final, Danielle and Lockheed Lightning finished inside the top ten at the recent QOTT Queensland qualifier at Caboolture, booking their spot at the 2026 event on the Gold Coast.
Danielle said the increase in the prize money pool to $100,000 was also providing plenty of motivation.
"It's really, really exciting. I think that sort of money, it is life changing for a lot of us, especially who are doing it full time as our living," Danielle said.
"That sort of money can go into supporting thoroughbreds even more. And I'm just so excited that we get to be part of it, it's just an absolute pleasure."
The Thoroughbred Breeders Queensland Association proudly congratulates Foxie Sockcee and her rider Courtney Scott on taking out the Queensland-bred category of the Queensland Off the Track (QOTT) Showjumping competition at the Ekka, proudly sponsored by TBQA. The 15-year-old mare, by Wicked Style out of Discord, was bred by Mr A Newcombie and trained by Angela Stephens during her racing career. Foxie was retired from racing in 2016 after nine starts without a placing, but she has certainly found her form since making the transition to the showjumping arena. Her success at the Ekka is a wonderful example of the versatility of the Thoroughbred and the many opportunities available to these talented horses beyond the racetrack. Congratulations to Courtney and Foxie Sockcee on a fantastic result, and to everyone involved in giving retired racehorses a second career and showcasing just what they can achieve. TBQA was delighted to support the QOTT Showjumping competition and celebrate the success of Queensland-bred Thoroughbreds in the arena.
He was far from fast on the track, but retired racehorse Rocket Of Gold showed he has plenty of speed in the Ekka showjumping arena on Monday afternoon. The former galloper and rider Kadell Sykes took out the 1.20m class in the 2026 Queensland Off-The-Track (QOTT) Program Showjumping Showcase at the Royal Queensland Show. A strong field of 22 horse-and-rider combinations lined up in the Main Arena at the Brisbane Showgrounds, with nine progressing to a jump off. The 16-year-old rider and 12-year-old palomino thoroughbred set the tone by jumping clear in a blistering 34 second round and were never headed by the rest of the competition. The duo finished ahead of second-placed Natalie Siiankoski and Curwood, and 2023 winner Emily Patterson and Star Struck (racing name Elton's Star), who took out third place. Competing at her first Ekka, Sykes said it was a dream come true to take home the $10,000 top prize. “It’s pretty surreal, I’m very excited to win,” Sykes said post-event. “We were the fourth out in the first round, and just tried to go with a nice, clear round and nothing too crazy.' “Being in the jump off and being first out was a little bit stressful, but you just have to go for it. “I’m very grateful and really happy.” Before becoming a champion showjumper, Rocket Of Gold had 36 starts at the track with his sole win coming at Springsure, south of Emerald, in September 2018. First trained by John Manzelmann and then Jade Doolan, the palomino gelding had his last race in Mackay in 2019. Sykes said the galloper by Gold Bold And Rich out of Easy Streets had been instrumental to her development as a rider. “I’ve been competing since I was probably around four, but been showjumping six or seven years,” Sykes said. “I've had him for almost five years, we have grown a lot together. “He took me from around 50 centimetres, we've jumped up to 130 centimetres now. “It's been a long journey together, but definitely worth it.” Sykes and the horse she calls “Brandy” will now set their sights on some new goals as they continue to develop their partnership in the showjumping arena. “I think that's a pretty good goal checked off the list – we will just jump around a few Young Rider tracks this year and try and get consistent at that,” Sykes said. “It takes a village to run a show like this, and I’d like to say a huge thank you to the Ekka for putting on such an incredible show. “I also want to thank all the sponsors and committee, as well as Queensland Off-The-Track for sponsoring the class.” On Sunday, the 105cm class of the QOTT Showjumping Showcase had been taken out by Makaylah Fenwick and Grace And Glory, who claimed the $4,000 top prize.
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 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.