Refreshed 2026 March Magic Millions Sale

Having never started in an official race on the track, Koko Story is instead proving that life off the track can be far more successful. The retired racehorse and rider Jamie Hewitt-Toms took out the 1.20m class in Monday afternoon’s Queensland Off-The-Track (QOTT) Program Showjumping Showcase at the Ekka. The pair had finished third in last year’s class, and Hewitt-Toms said they were determined to climb up the leaderboard for the 2025 edition. “It was pressure on myself to want to do something a little bit better than that, and I was just trying to go in with very low expectations, but it's good to finally get the win,” Hewitt-Toms said post-event. “I definitely didn't have any expectations coming into today - I just wanted to have a nice round but it was definitely great to be able to pull it off and Koko Story was great. “Any of those horses out there today that jumped over clear could have easily taken the win, they all deserved it and they're all really great horses, so it's just a bit of luck of the draw I think.” Of the field of 17, the top eight had progressed to a jump off at the Brisbane Showgrounds. Koko Story and Hewitt-Toms, who was herself battling sickness, claimed victory in the last run of the day to take home the $10,000 top prize. They finished ahead of last year’s winning rider Makaylah Fenwick on The Garret in second place, and Natalie Siiankoski and Curwood in third spot. Watch here Twenty-two-year-old Jamie and her mum Christine Hewitt, a former jockey, had bought the 18-year-old retired thoroughbred off Victorian event rider Robert Palm in 2023. Racing as Southern Pride, the chestnut gelding had just three trials at Doomben, the Gold Coast and Eagle Farm back in 2009 and 2010, finishing last in all three runs. Having now successfully transitioned to life as a showjumper with no hesitation, Hewitt-Toms has developed a strong bond with the horse they call “Woody” at their Gympie property. “He's very special to me, and my life revolves around him - every day I'm with Woody, and I always put him first and what he needs,” Hewitt-Toms said. “He is very laid back, very easy to do everything with, he never has any issues or anything hard to deal with, he's just a perfect horse. “The plans now are to have a couple of weeks off, and then we'll head down south and do Tamworth World Cup, and then decide what we're doing from there and if we want to keep going a little bit further.” Koko Story was also crowned the highest-placed Queensland-bred thoroughbred by the Thoroughbred Breeders Queensland Association for the second year running. On Sunday, the 105cm class of the QOTT Showjumping Showcase had been taken out by Hugh Buchanan and It’s Bandito, who claimed the $4,000 top prize. Monday also saw the Main Arena play host to the prestigious Thoroughbred and Standardbred Day. Over $25,000 was on offer across 18 ‘Led’ and ‘Under Saddle’ classes. The race day-style event saw the two versatile racing breeds compete for the sought-after Champion of their Breed, with horse handlers presenting their horses to the judges in formal race day attire. Harness trainer/driver Felicity Reinke swapped the track for the showring to compete with mare Pretty Good Reason and gelding Parcellaires in the Standardbred Led Classes. “It’s fantastic - these horses definitely deserve a chance after racing and it shows their versatility,” Reinke said. “I’ve been predominantly in the show world, but I’ve also taken some horses jumping, had some in the harness, had some campdrafting and they’ve gone very well. “The competition today, the horses were presented immaculately, so a credit to everyone that’s come today, and it just shows they’re not just for racing and can have a very good life after. “It was raining last year, and the weather is beautiful today, so I very much encourage people to bring their horses out and just have fun next year.” RQ Senior Animal Care Manager Kim Duffy said the QOTT Program was again proud to be sponsoring the two days of showjumping along with Thoroughbred and Standardbred Day. “We’ve seen an increased number of entries year-on-year, and this year is a record-breaking one for us with 214 entries for Thoroughbred and Standardbred Day,” Ms Duffy said. “It is a really good way to showcase the versatile racing breeds in a range of led and under saddle classes. “It’s just another avenue for them post-racing that’s not as traditional as some of the other pathways such as eventing and showjumping. “We have also seen increased entries in the showjumping competitions as well. “We are seeing a more diverse range of riders getting involved — not just professionals, but passionate amateurs, juniors, and even adult riders who are returning to riding. “When these horses are showcased at the Royal Queensland Show, they are no longer seen solely as retired racehorses. Instead, they're viewed as versatile athletes with second careers worth celebrating.” Click here for the full results from the QOTT Showjumping Showcase and Thoroughbred and Standardbred Day.

Under the updated Racing Australia penalties, all foals must have their details confirmed within 30 days of birth to avoid an increased fee. Any foal not registered within 60 days of birth will be subject to a racing embargo, unless the owners successfully appeal. (Click here for further information from Racing Australia). While TBA continues to work with Racing Australia to minimise the impact of these changes, it is vital that breeders act promptly to avoid penalties by lodging all mare returns/Foal Ownership Declarations (FODs) within 30 days of a foal’s birth. Support for you during this process: • Streamlined process: The mare return and FOD are now a single process. For best results, complete it on a PC rather than a smartphone or tablet. • Step-by-step guide: View the Stud Book’s ‘How To’ user guide here. • State Breeding Organisation support: Your State Breeding Organisation Executive Officer can assist if you need help. • Stud Book assistance: The Stud Book team is also available to provide support. Contact them on 02 8072 1900 or email studbook@racingaustralia.horse; they have also prepared this useful FAQ document • Stud farm assistance: Stud farms can complete the process on behalf of owners. Ensure you confirm who will be lodging the combined mare return/FOD for each mare and foal well ahead of the 30-day deadline. • For new breeders: Make sure you have a Contact Breeder Number and that your mare is registered for breeding. There is no cost for either process. We strongly encourage all breeders to put systems in place now to ensure timely lodgement and avoid unnecessary costs or restrictions

Have you cared for a horse with Qld Itch? If so UQ Gatton would love to hear from you! Please consider filling out this survey on owner perspectives and experiences with treating and managing Qld Itch (insect bite hypersensitivity), which is part of an honours research study project. Survey here

The Thoroughbred Breeders Queensland Association (TBQA) is pleased to announce the 2025 Queensland Champion Stallions recognising outstanding achievements in the state’s breeding ranks during the 2024–25 season. Champion First Season Stallion – Prince Fawaz Group 1 winner Prince Fawaz has claimed Champion First Season Stallion honours with his debut crop delivering A$162,265 in earnings from just 10 runners. His standout performer was Idyllic Affair (f. 2022 – Flawless), who accounted for the bulk of that figure with A$112,450 earned across five starts. Prince Fawaz, by Fastnet Rock, won the G1 J.J. Atkins as a juvenile and has made a promising start to his stud career standing at Oaklands Stud on the Darling Downs. ________________________________________ Champion 2YO Stallion – Spirit of Boom Outstanding stallion Spirit of Boom has once again reinforced his reputation as one of Queensland’s greatest ever sires by being crowned Champion 2YO Stallion for 2025 – the fifth time he has won this prestigious title. During the 2024-25 season, his 42 juvenile runners yielded 9 winners and 17 wins overall, with two of those being stakes winners, and total earnings of A$1,765,185. The standout performer was the Ben, Will and JD Hayes trained Shining Smile, who won twice at stakes level in Melbourne on his way to completing a remarkable season with 5 wins from just 7 starts and never finishing out of a place. Spirit of Boom once again finished within the Top 10 Stallions nationally on the Australian 2YO sire rankings—a feat he has now achieved for the third time in the last four years. ________________________________________ Champion Stallion – Better Than Ready For the third year running, Better Than Ready has been crowned Queensland Champion Stallion, capping a superb season where his 304 runners accounted for 144 winners and 222 wins, including four individual stakes winners of five stakes races and collecting an impressive A$11,485,640 in prizemoney. Among many highlights was his top earner Hidden Wealth, who exceeded A$1.1 million in earnings and captured multiple feature races, along with the Group One winner Port Lockroy who saluted in the time honoured WATC Railway Stakes, and winner of the Magic Millions National 2YO Classic, Isti Star, reinforcing Better Than Ready's broad influence across age groups and distances. Broodmare of the Year as per previous years, will be announced at the annual Racing Queensland Thoroughbred Awards

Widely regarded as the nation’s best bonus scheme, the Queensland Thoroughbred Incentive Scheme (QTIS) was introduced to further reward the owners and breeders who invest in Queensland bloodstock, with the scheme offering more than $13 million in bonuses. In 2023, Racing Queensland (RQ) announced changes for the scheme, for all foals sired by a Queensland stallion and born in 2022 and beyond, scrapping nominations fees thus making it the only bonus scheme in the nation to be offered free of charge. Two and three-year-old Saturday metropolitan winners continue to enjoy prize money boosts across the board courtesy of the scheme, with QTIS registered fillies winner’s purse of $85,550 and colts & geldings $73,300 now applicable. The scheme will now offer four-year-old QTIS bonus prize money on a number of Saturday and mid-week metropolitan races, as well as lucrative provincial and non-TAB racing across the state for 4YO+ horses. QTISx will continue to offer bonuses on all black-type and feature races across the state, with connections able to choose between the cash bonus or double its value as a voucher to be used towards the cost of a QTIS-eligible horse at selected sales. QTIS registrations are now open Find out more here To become a QTIS Horse, a horse must be registered with QTIS as either an Eligibility A Horse or an Eligibility B Horse in accordance with the following process: Eligibility A – Queensland Sired - NO PAYMENT REQUIRED A horse may be registered as Eligibility A if: - it is the progeny of a stallion that was standing in Queensland at the time of conception; and - it is registered with Racing Australia. Eligibility B – Breedback - PAYMENT REQUIRED A horse may be registered as Eligibility B if, despite not being the progeny of a stallion that was standing in Queensland at the time of conception: - is the progeny of a non-Queensland based stallion, provided the dam was covered by a Queensland domiciled stallion in the year the foal being registered was born*; - it is nominated for registration with QTIS using the Prescribed Nomination Form; all payments are made in respect of the horse in accordance with the timeframe/s set out in the Prescribed Nomination Form; and - it is registered with Racing Australia. PAYMENT DEADLINES (Eligibilty B) 1. FIRST PAYMENT • A discounted First Payment of $770 (GST inc) made on or before October 31, 2025; OR • A late First Payment of $1,980 (GST inc) if First Payment is made after October 31, 2025 but on or before June 30, 2026. • If no first payment is received on or before June 30 the horse will not be eligible for QTIS. 2. FINAL PAYMENT A payment of $550 (GST inc) made on or before June 30, 2026. This assumes a First Payment has already been made. 3. FULL PAYMENT If a First and Final payment have not been made, full payment of $2,530 (GST inc) is required to be paid by June 30, 2026 to fully QTIS register your horse. 4. LATE PAYMENT A late payment option is available for horses not fully registered by June 30, 2026. The fee is $1,500 (GST inc) and is required by August 31, 2026. If no final payment is received on or before August 31, the horse will not be eligible for QTIS

There has been a disappointing development regarding the TBA's request for changes to late Foal Ownership Declaration (FOD) process. Racing Australia (RA) CEO Paul Eriksson advised TBA CEO Andrew Hore-Lacy that the RA Board met last Thursday to consider TBA’s proposal. Despite what he described as “considerable discussion,” the RA Board has decided not to make any changes to the current system. There was no acknowledgment that RA has any interest in meaningfully improving things from an administrative or technical perspective; RA is of the belief that the forms only take three minutes to complete so they do not see any issues with the penalty time frames. This outcome is extremely disappointing, particularly given the extent to which TBA was willing to compromise, and the fact that our proposed solution was both moderate and entirely reasonable. The traceability difference and/or risk between 60 and 90 days is not backed up by any concrete data. It is especially frustrating given the broad support our position received from the majority of Principal Racing Authorities. This decision reflects a concerning disconnect between RA and the real challenges facing breeders. We are now considering how best we respond.

Entries for the Southern Hemisphere's most anticipated yearling sales series in 2026 have opened. The 2026 Magic Millions Yearling Sales - from the Gold Coast in January to Perth and Tasmania in February and the Gold Coast and Adelaide in March - are ready to deliver more groundbreaking results. In 2025 the Gold Coast Yearling Sale produced Australasia's most expensive yearling - the Home Affairs filly from Sunlight - who sold for $3.2 million to Japan. "With proven performance at all levels of the market across our Gold Coast, Perth, Adelaide and Tasmanian locations, we present a Sale Series that is backed by our energy and drive to achieve commercial success across the 2026 yearling crop," Magic Millions Managing Director Barry Bowditch said. "The Gold Coast Yearling Sale is a festival like no other celebrating equine excellence - with the the strongest buying bench in the country on hand, as the finest Australasian yearlings take centre stage in the theatre created by the buzz of the Magic Millions Carnival." "We are proud to boast about the best auctioneers in Australia and achieving more individual buyers than any other yearling sale in the Southern Hemisphere, in turn providing greater year-on-year returns direct to our vendors." "The 2025 edition delivered at all levels, generating the highest priced yearling sold in Australasia, the highest amount of new international investment as well as the highest number of unique buyers in the middle market." "Offering yearlings at the 2026 Magic Millions Yearling Sale Series provides vendors with exclusive access to the greatest marketing tool to support the sale of your stock – the Magic Millions Race Series." "More than $20 million and 28 races every year. There is simply no better Race Series in the world." "A national program of races that provides rich prizemoney opportunities across all ages, classes and distances supported by world-first innovation with initiatives such as The Syndicate and The Debut races plus the ground-breaking Magic Millions Racing Women’s initiative that has changed the narrative of ownership globally." "In 2026 we introduce an exciting new format for the Gold Coast March Yearling Sale with the sale now open to all Australian and New Zealand bred yearlings. The sale will continue to showcase outstanding QTIS stock plus providing a new opportunity for all breeders to participate on the Gold Coast this Autumn." Bowditch said the Magic Millions team, located across Australasia, was perfectly positioned to assist breeders in placing their stock in 2026. "Each and every year we provide the perfect springboard for the next stars of the racetrack in the sale ring. Our team looks forward to working with our breeders and vendors in placing stock in an auction where the best possible returns are realised." "We look forward to working with breeders across Australia and New Zealand in producing high quality catalogues that attract buyers from around the world - finding the next Magic Millions graduate to star for their stable," Bowditch added. Entries are now open for the following industry leading Magic Millions auctions: • Gold Coast Yearling Sale - 13-19 January • Perth Yearling Sale - 19-20 February • Tasmanian Yearling Sale - 23 February • Gold Coast March Yearling Sale - 12-13 March • Adelaide Yearling Sale - 19-20 March View the brochure for the 2026 Magic Millions Yearling Sales Series here. Nominations can be submitted now via the Online Entry Facility . Entries for the aforementioned sales close on Friday, August 29. For further information contact Magic Millions’ Bloodstock Department on (07) 5504 1200 or email bloodstock@magicmillions.com.au.

The Queensland Off-The-Track Program has unveiled the 14 successful applicants to benefit from its 2025 QOTT Grants Program. As part of the fourth round of the Grants Program, close to $200,000 has been awarded to a range of not-for-profit organisations, charities and QOTT Acknowledged Retrainers that provide equine retraining services, or second careers for retired racehorses – including as therapy horses. The funding also benefits retired racehorses that have previously transitioned from the racing industry into the domestic horse community. The successful applicants span across two grant initiatives. They are: • QOTT Acknowledged Retrainer Expansion Grants – 10 grants totalling $153,150; and • QOTT Therapy Horse Grants – four grants totalling $36,500. No applications were received for the QOTT Veterinary and Rehabilitation Grant. Racing Minister Tim Mander said that the QOTT Grants Program is vital for increasing the post-racing opportunities available for retired racehorses. “The Crisafulli Government is committed to improving the welfare outcomes for retired racehorses in Queensland,” Minister Mander said. “The QOTT Grants Program is an important step to expanding aftercare initiatives available to retired racehorses at every stage of life.” “I congratulate the recipients of this year’s grants and look forward to them making a significant impact to the wellbeing of retired racehorses.” The QOTT Grants Program aims to support vulnerable horses by assisting not-for-profit organisations and charities who provide equine rehabilitation and retraining services for retired racehorses that are no longer part of the racing industry, but require assistance at later stages of their lives. Support is also provided to equine-assisted therapy organisations that utilise retrained retired racehorses as part of their programs. Additionally, QOTT’s network of Acknowledged Retrainers across the state are supported to expand their operations or upgrade their facilities, with the objective to grow their capacity to take on more retired racehorses. During the opening three rounds of the QOTT Grants Program, more than $500,000 has been distributed to various groups across the state. QOTT Chair Dr Christine Johnson said that it was pleasing to once again receive a number of high quality applications. "The QOTT Therapy Horse Grant enables us to support equine operators across Queensland who provide retired racehorses with second careers as therapy horses,” Dr Johnson said. “This initiative not only provides a meaningful post-racing pathway for these horses but also highlights the vital role equine therapy plays within our communities. "Furthermore, supporting our Acknowledged Retrainers to increase their capacity not only strengthens Queensland’s overall aftercare network, but also ensures its long-term sustainability. "QOTT Acknowledged Retrainers are one of the many established pathways for rehoming racehorses in Queensland, and further complement the work of breeders, owners, and trainers who directly transition their horses into rewarding second careers after racing. “Many retrainers rely on horse sales and supplementary employment to maintain and grow their operations. Providing targeted support that allows them to expand their operations ensures their continued ability to transition more retired racehorses successfully." The QOTT Program was established to support a high-quality first transition for thoroughbred and standardbred horses, bred for the racing industry and domiciled in Queensland at the time of their retirement from racing or breeding activities. The Grants Program is one of nine major initiatives introduced by QOTT over the past four years to support racehorse aftercare in Queensland. Other initiatives 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, and QOTT Clubhouse. Click here for more information on the 2025 QOTT Grants Program recipients. Click here for more information on the QOTT Program.

Australia and New Zealand are set to launch National Thoroughbred Week, an initiative designed to bring the public closer to the thoroughbred racing industry through real, hands-on experiences. Launching the pilot this November 20-24 the 5-day event will see racing stables, stud farms and aftercare facilities open their doors nationwide, giving the public a firsthand look at the daily care, dedication, and passion behind Thoroughbred racing. At a time when public perception of racing is more scrutinised than ever, National Thoroughbred Week offers a unique opportunity for the public to experience the realities of the industry up close. From observing morning trackwork to exploring equine welfare and post-racing career pathways, the initiative aims to bridge the gap between misinformation and reality, empowering policymakers and the public to form their own informed perspectives about the industry. The initiative aligns with Together for Racing International (TfRI), a movement designed to share best practices across racing nations to promote equine welfare, community engagement, and sustainable industry growth. The open-week concept follows in the footsteps of the highly successful National Racehorse Week (UK), which has made significant strides in how the industry engages with the public. National Thoroughbred Week will adapt this proven model to fit Australia and New Zealand’s diverse racing landscape, bringing together trainers, breeders, jockeys, owners, aftercare specialists, and fans to showcase the sport and its horses in the most authentic and direct way possible. A trans-Tasman initiative to bring the industry together Justine Sclater, Head of Welfare and Sustainability at New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing, has seen first-hand the concept successfully executed at New Zealand’s Open Farms week. “It was so uplifting and rewarding to have conversations with visitors and see them leave with an insight into the dedicated care our thoroughbreds receive,” Sclater revealed. “I'd really like to encourage anyone with the capacity to take part in National Thoroughbred Week to support the concept and we're here to make sure the process is as easy and stress free as possible.” Sclater highlights the event’s potential to unite the racing community on a national and trans-tasman scale. “National Thoroughbred Week is about unity. This is an opportunity for the entire industry across two countries - trainers, breeders, owners, aftercare facilities, and community groups - to come together and showcase the true heart of racing. “From trainers to breeding operations, everyone has a role to play. Whether it’s a local country stable or a major stud farm, we want every part of the industry involved. This is about full participation, and we’re here to bring it all together.” This was backed up by Thoroughbred Breeders’ Australia’s Basil Nolan: “National Thoroughbred Week gives us all the chance to connect with the public outside the traditional racing audience. It supports the broader work Aushorse and TBA are doing to promote the breeding industry and ensure people understand the scale, professionalism and care that underpin it. “Opening our gates and having honest, direct conversations with the public is one of the most effective ways to build long-term trust and interest. We’re pleased the industry will be working together to make that happen on a national level.” With industry-wide participation, the pilot event is aiming to attract 10,000 attendees in its first year, with a goal to exceed 100,000 visitors by Year 3 as the initiative expands. A natural next step in perception marketing Vicky Leonard, the driving force behind Kick Up, believes the initiative is a critical evolution for the next step in improving the industry’s perception. “Kick Up has been focused on tackling perception challenges online and through education, but change marketing also needs real-world action. National Thoroughbred Week is the next step - opening stable doors, creating hands-on moments, and showing people the reality of racing, up close and personal.” “Trust is built through experience and when an industry isn’t open people believe it has something to hide. We’re giving people a direct and special experience.” The event will run alongside Kick Up’s online Melbourne Cup perception campaign, inviting the public to step inside the industry in a real-life experience immediately after the height of racing’s visibility. Part of a global movement Nick Bawden, CEO of Racing SA, conveyed his strong support, explaining how the National Thoroughbred Week Pilot fits into a broader international push to make racing more open and accessible through the global initiative TfRl. “National Thoroughbred Week isn’t just an Australia and New Zealand-first - thanks to TfRI it’s part of a collaborative, global effort to improve the long-term sustainability of horse racing for our sport and industry. “We’ve seen the success of the UK’s National Racehorse Week with 35,000+ attendees in just three years. “The National Thoroughbred Week Pilot presents to Australia the chance to further drive this initiative, tailoring this November event to our proud racing culture. “The Pilot is a way to showcase that our sport and industry’s practices around thoroughbred breeding, racehorse education, equine welfare and the dedication of the workforce to their horses, and importantly demonstrating their skills and passion directly to the public,” said Bawden. “Racing SA is dedicated to championing the National Thoroughbred Week Pilot; through sponsorship, media partnerships, and community involvement, this promising event is set to become an annual fixture that positions racing as transparent, engaging, and accessible to all.” How to get involved National Thoroughbred Week is calling on trainers, breeders, aftercare specialists, and industry partners and stakeholders to take part in this nationwide movement. Whether hosting an open day, sponsoring the event, or volunteering time, there are many ways to help make this initiative a success. For more information, sponsorship opportunities, or to get involved, visit www.thoroughbredweek.com.au or contact info@thoroughbredweek.com.au Industry Host Registration You can register as a host using this industry-only link Please note this link is not accessible to the general public. If you are planning a joint event (for example race clubs, multiple trainers or stud farms hosting together), each stakeholder will still need to register individually so their brand appears on the NTW website. One party will then be nominated to coordinate the event content. More information on NTW is available here