TBQA Life Membership for Stan Johnston

As far as Queensland cult heroes go, they don’t come much bigger than Master Jamie.  The former galloper claimed 19 victories from a 64-start career, with notable wins coming in back-to-back Rockhampton Cups in 2022 and 2023, and in the 2020 The Gateway at Eagle Farm to book a spot into the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap. The gelding was also the first horse from the Beef City to go past the magical $1 million prizemoney mark. Trained by Graeme Green, he formed a formidable partnership with jockey Les “Bubba” Tilley who took the thoroughbred into his care in Toowoomba when he was retired in 2024. An excitement machine on the track, these days Master Jamie is a calming influence in retirement at the Glastonbury property of Queensland Off-The-Track Acknowledged Retrainer Sandi Sevior. The retrainer explained how a connection with Graeme’s daughter Sileas – known affectionately as Mully - led to the former champion racehorse landing with her in the Gympie Region. “I've had some really good outcomes for Mully Green, and she put me in touch with Bubba who had Master Jamie with him,” Sevior said. “He was obviously very special and instrumental in his career, and Bubba was just finding himself time poor, and wanted to ensure that Jamie wasn't sitting in the paddock and wasting his prime years, so he reached out to me to see if I could give him a job. “And he certainly found a job - he's got a really good job babysitting and educating the young horses coming through the QOTT retraining program. “We call him ‘Uncle Jamie,’ and we take him down the road with us when other horses have their first outings or showing them the arena for the first time - he’s just got the calming presence of an experienced horse. “I call him the VIP of the farm - whenever someone hears his name that's involved with racing, especially up in North Queensland, they're always really keen to see what he's doing and how he is.” The now nine-year-old has impressed Sevior since coming under her care in November last year. The horsewoman said Master Jamie’s calm demeanour had him primed for a new life after racing in the showjumping and dressage arenas. “He's a bit of an old legend…a lot of people get really hung up on and love these off-the-trackers that have had one or two starts, and they're great, but I love the older horses that are coming off the track and been everywhere,” Sevior said. “He's just a professional, and anything you do, if you ask him a question, he answers with, ‘let me figure it out.’ “He's just a bit of a calming force, and he's got a bit of a talent there for jumping and a little bit of dressage as well. “So, we'll make sure he has his opportunity to go out in the competition truck and show him off a little bit as well. “It's been really lovely being able to ensure that he's got a good job to do and has been given a solid education.” Running the thoroughbred spelling business Flynn Equine Solutions, Sevior usually has around 20 to 30 horses across almost 30 paddocks at the Glastonbury property. The 39-year-old was always destined to go into retraining, with grandfather Ray McCall a former trainer and her aunt Nat McCall currently in the training ranks, based on the Sunshine Coast. “I grew up in racing and always had a strong affiliation, especially with the horses that we'd bred, I was really interested in giving them quality homes off the track,” Sevior said. “I used to take a lot of off-the-track horses for Pop and retrain them, compete on them, and then find them homes. “I took the detour and went up to the Northern Territory and was in the Mounted Police for quite some time. “And when I came home to run the spelling farm, I'd seen the advances in the Queensland Off-The-Track Program, and I was really keen to find my place in that program and continue on in a larger scale than what I'd previously done.” Les Tilley celebrates winning the 2023 Rockhampton Cup on Master Jamie (Photo: Caught in the Act Photography CQ) While Master Jamie is not being retrained and rehomed through the QOTT Program, two other retired gallopers in Sevior’s care are thriving as part of the program. Each recording only a handful of starts on the track, the former Kevin Kemp galloper Mrs Kajudo and Zoublime, formerly trained by Taylah Mackinnon, are adjusting well to their post-racing lives. “After dealing with Mrs Kajudo, she's probably one of the most laid-back characters that you'll ever come across - I think Kevin needs a medal for even getting her to the races in the first place,” Sevior said with a laugh. “But I really rate her, she's a really nice animal, she's got a beautiful disposition, and she's going really well. “She's had about 12 rides under saddle, and we are really working on balancing her and getting a good, solid flat base. “Zoublime came to me as a weanling for spelling and is now in the QOTT Program. “I've had her in the paddock for a few years now…she’s a really big, tall, leggy mare, and needed just a little bit more time to mature, so she's commenced groundwork, and she'll have her first ride under saddle off the track soon. “I’m in a really privileged position to be able to know these horses really well and continue to support their careers after their racing careers finish.” Sevior has rehomed 12 horses since joining the QOTT Program in 2023. She is excited to welcome more retired gallopers in the future, thanks to the support offered to her as a QOTT Acknowledged Retrainer. “Without the support from Queensland Off-The-Track, I would not be able to have the horse numbers in retraining that I do… I think it's been instrumental with improving the quality and quantity of homes available,” Sevior said.' “It's something that a lot of us have always done out of the love and passion for the horse but on a really small scale, but it's enabled us to upscale and the quality of outcomes for the horses that graduate from the program is invaluable. “The program has allowed such a great base for these thoroughbreds, where they tick off all those first outings, and have their dentals, their shoes, and their vaccinations up to date. “We do thorough assessments on these horses, so we know their strengths, we know their weaknesses, and we're able to place them in suitable homes that are hopefully long term and set them up for a life after racing. “So, if you're thinking about it, definitely get in touch with QOTT. It's a really great program to be a part of.” Click here for more information on the QOTT Acknowledged Retrainers Program.

The sudden loss of Spirit Of Boom last week is a heartbreaking blow for the Queensland and Australian breeding industry. On behalf of TBQA, I extend our sincere condolences to the McAlpine Family, Eureka Stud staff and to everyone who had the privilege of a connection with such a remarkable horse. Quite simply, Spirit Of Boom was one of Queensland’s greatest stallions. The sire of 32 stakes winners, led by Group 1 winner Jonker, he played a major role in elevating Queensland breeding onto the national stage and gave local breeders enormous confidence in the strength of our stallion ranks. What made his story even more special was that he was truly a Queensland success story from beginning to end. Bred, raised and raced in Queensland before retiring to stud at Eureka, he became a horse that the entire industry took enormous pride in. From the moment his first runners hit the track, it was obvious he was something out of the ordinary. He was crowned Australia’s Champion First Season Sire and went on to become Queensland’s leading sire on four occasions, while continuing to produce tough, fast and consistent racehorses year after year. Beyond the statistics, those closest to him speak most fondly about his character and presence. He was adored by the staff who handled him daily and became the cornerstone of the Eureka Stud operation. His passing leaves a tremendous void, both professionally and personally, for all involved.  There is some comfort, however, in knowing his legacy will continue. It was recently announced that his Group 1-winning son Jonker will stand at Eureka Stud this season, ensuring the Spirit Of Boom influence remains an important part of Queensland breeding into the future. We wish the McAlpine’s all the best with the new prospect and hope he delivers like his sire.

Have you moved in the past 12 months? To ensure you receive your complimentary copy of the 2026 Queensland Stallions Directory, please take a moment to update your contact details before April 25. Additional copies of the Directory are available on request, with a $20 postage fee applying. Bookings for this highly sought after Directory close on April 17 2026. If you have a stallion or business or service, you don't want to miss this great value publication that showcases your product to over 10,000 people Australia-wide involved in breeding and racing. There is no other opportunity like it! More details here

Thoroughbred Breeders Australia is working with AgriFutures Australia and Brand Rebellion to develop a workforce strategy for the Australian thoroughbred breeding industry. As part of this work, an industry-wide survey has been launched for both employees and employers to better understand current workforce challenges and opportunities across the sector. The survey is designed to capture insights on workforce experiences, attraction and retention challenges, career pathways, and how the industry is perceived both within the sector and more broadly. The findings will help inform a workforce strategy aimed at supporting the long-term sustainability, capability and growth of the industry. They will also provide an important evidence base to support TBA’s advocacy to government and other decision-makers on the workforce issues affecting our sector. All responses will remain confidential and deidentified. We encourage all members to take part in the survey and to share it with colleagues across their networks. This is an important opportunity to help shape the future of the thoroughbred breeding industry. You may choose to enter a draw to win a $250 EFTPOS voucher by providing your first name and contact details. These details will be used only to contact the winner and for no other purpose. If you do not choose to enter the draw, your responses will remain fully deidentified. The link to the survey can be found here

Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA) has welcomed Racing Australia’s decision to introduce an amnesty on outstanding Foal Ownership Declarations (FODs) from the 2024 and 2025 foal crops. The amnesty will provide breeders with an additional two-week window to resolve outstanding declarations and ensure affected horses remain eligible to race, by 5.30pm AEST on Tuesday 14 April 2026. The amnesty will apply to all late Foal Ownership Declarations for foals born in the 2024 and 2025 seasons, including those subject to ongoing appeals, as well as those who have not yet appealed or whose appeals have been unsuccessful. Provided the Foal Ownership Declaration is submitted by the deadline of 5.30pm AEST on Tuesday 14 April 2026, these horses will not be subject to an embargo from racing. TBA Chief Executive Officer Andrew Hore-Lacy said the decision is a constructive move that recognises the challenges experienced by breeders across the industry. “This is a positive step from Racing Australia and we welcome the sensible decision to resolve these cases,” Mr Hore-Lacy said. “Over recent months, both Racing Australia and breeders have gained a much clearer understanding of where the pressure points are within the current system. “What has become evident is that the vast majority of cases were not deliberate breaches, but administrative errors or miscommunications about who would lodge the Foal Ownership Declaration.” Mr Hore-Lacy said the decision would provide significant relief for breeders, many of whom had been facing uncertainty about the future of their horses. “For breeders, these horses represent years of planning, investment and care,” he said. “The reassurance in knowing that those impacted horses can now move forward and have a future on the track will be felt right across the industry.” TBA is urging all breeders to take immediate action to ensure any outstanding Foal Ownership Declarations are submitted by 5.30pm AEST on Tuesday 14 April 2026. “Our focus now is on making sure every outstanding Foal Ownership Declaration is completed within this window,” Mr Hore-Lacy said. “We strongly encourage all breeders to review their records and act promptly.” Mr Hore-Lacy said TBA would continue to work closely with Racing Australia on longer-term improvements to the technological platform ahead of this year's breeding season. “We remain committed to working with Racing Australia on practical improvements that support compliance, while ensuring the system is fair and workable for breeders.”

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Revered Queensland thoroughbred breeder and long-time industry figure Basil Nolan will be honoured for his lifetime dedication to the code by being inducted into the Queensland Racing Hall of Fame. Nolan’s Hall of Fame induction recognises his decades of service to horse racing in the state, headlined by his deep commitment to Raheen Stud as well as his service to the Thoroughbred Breeders Queensland Association and Thoroughbred Breeders Australia. The 80-year-old was informed of his induction into the Queensland Racing Hall of Fame on Wednesday afternoon alongside a group of his long-time peers and friends, fittingly at the Magic Millions March Yearling Sale. Nolan grew up surrounded by horses and racing at his family’s famous Raheen Stud, based just outside of Warwick on the Darling Downs, where he joined his parents in its operation in 1963. Together with his wife Diane, he has expanded the complex into what it is today, standing in-demand stallions and producing generations of Queensland-bred racehorses while remaining firmly family-run. While looking after his business interests at home, Nolan always had his eyes on the wider industry’s prosperity. He first joined the committee of the Thoroughbred Breeders Queensland Association in 1969 and later served as president from 1980 to 1991, before returning to the role in 2010. During his time in the position, Nolan helped drive a number of key initiatives aimed at strengthening the local breeding industry, which included enhancements to the Queensland Thoroughbred Incentive Scheme and Breeders Bonus scheme. He has also supported initiatives around horse welfare and rehoming retired racehorses during his time on the Queensland Off-The-Track Board. “It’s unbelievable – I truly never expected to be in the Queensland Racing Hall of Fame,” Nolan said. “It’s a great surprise and I’m appreciative of everybody who has made this happen. “It’s not just an honour for me, it’s for the thoroughbred breeders in Queensland and the people that make it up, alongside my wife who is my backbone.” Nolan has also been a strong advocate for the industry at government level, where he played a key role during equine influenza breakouts, as well as securing support for breeders during the devastating 2011 floods and COVID-19 pandemic. At a national level, Nolan has represented Queensland on the board of Thoroughbred Breeders Australia since its establishment in 2005 and has served as its president since 2014. In that role, he has helped ensure Queensland breeders maintain a strong voice in national discussions around marketing, expanding black-type racing opportunities and horse identification through microchipping and DNA testing. Racing Minister Tim Mander said Nolan was an iconic figure not just in Queensland thoroughbred circles but nationwide. “Basil Nolan is one of the most revered figures in Queensland racing and I couldn’t think of a more deserving inductee into the Queensland Racing Hall of Fame,” Minister Mander said. “I want to congratulate Basil and his family for their significant and ongoing contribution to the industry." Earlier in his career, Nolan also spent 22 years working as a bookmaker at Eagle Farm Racecourse, which gave him first-hand experience of the wagering side of the sport. That knowledge later proved valuable in discussions around race fields legislation and prize money distribution in Queensland. “Basil has made an enormous contribution to racing, not only here in Queensland but right around the country,” Racing Queensland Director Graham Quirk said. “Even at the national level since 2014 Basil has led the Thoroughbred Breeders Association, and at a time in life when other people would be putting their feet up, Basil is soldiering on fighting the good fight and fighting it hard. “Basil has a sense of determination, he gets right to the core of an issue, and he’s a fighter; those three ingredients make for good, strong leadership. “It’s hard to imagine that anybody will serve as president for 25 years of a state jurisdiction. That’s what Basil has done and that’s why he’s a very deserving Hall of Fame inductee.” Watch the announcement here

The annual Magic Millions TBQA Welcome BBQ, held on Wednesday afternoon, was once again a wonderful success, bringing together members of Queensland’s thoroughbred breeding and racing community in a warm and relaxed setting. With close to 300 vendors, owners and buyers in attendance, the event provided a fantastic opportunity for industry participants to reconnect, celebrate achievements and discuss the future of the industry. We were honoured to welcome Racing Minister Hon. Tim Mander, along with Racing Queensland representatives Graham Quirk, Lachlan Murray and Mitchell Jones, whose presence highlighted the importance of collaboration across the racing and breeding sectors. One of the highlights of the afternoon was the presentation of the 2025 QTIS Trainers’ Premiership to Tony Gollan. This remarkable achievement marks the first time in the history of the award that a trainer has won both the 2YO and 3YO premierships in the same season. It was a fitting moment for the industry to come together and recognise such an outstanding milestone. The event also provided the opportunity to celebrate another significant honour, with the announcement that TBQA President Basil Nolan will be inducted into the Queensland Racing Hall of Fame at the Racing Queensland Awards in August. This recognition reflects Basil’s long-standing dedication and contribution to the Queensland thoroughbred industry. The TBQA Annual General Meeting, following the BBQ, was very well attended, with more than 30 members participating in constructive discussions around several key issues affecting the industry. Topics included the ongoing decline in sales, foal ownership declarations and concerns around the transportation of livestock. Members also endorsed the adoption of the new and improved Model Rules, marking the first comprehensive review of these rules in more than 30 years. The updated framework represents an important step forward, modernising the association’s membership and administrative practices and positioning TBQA strongly for the future. The existing TBQA committee and executive were re-elected unopposed, reflecting the confidence members have in the current leadership team and their ongoing work on behalf of the industry. Overall, the Welcome BBQ and AGM proved to be a very successful series of events. We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who attended and contributed to such a positive and productive gathering, and we look forward to continuing to work together for the benefit of Queensland’s thoroughbred breeding industry.

While he did not reach the same levels of his famous father, it is away from the racetrack in Far North Queensland where Dash of Black is having his greatest impact. The retired thoroughbred is the progeny of eleven-time Group 1 winner and Australian Racing Hall of Fame member Lonhro, who was sired by another champion galloper in Octagonal. Despite the strong lineage, Dash of Black did not enjoy the same success throughout a 41-start career that saw him notch three wins and nine placings across several North Queensland tracks. Retired in late 2016, “Dash” then stayed in the region and landed in the care of local horsewoman Claire Denzin in March 2018. “He's descended from some pretty good racehorses and studs, but he clearly took after his mum (Dash For Gretna) or a weird uncle,” Denzin said with a laugh. “I think his total winnings was about $35,000 and that includes one race which was a $10,000 win, so his return on investment was pretty low. “I got Dash off someone else after he had been retired for a while so he had actually had a decent let-down period of just being a horse in a paddock for a period of time.” Based in Mareeba, Denzin welcomed Dash as the first ever thoroughbred in her care, one of three she now has on her property. Admitting she did not know much about horses, Denzin quickly became accustomed to the now 17-year-old gelding’s relaxed nature. “I met Dash, and thought he had a kind eye and seemed like a nice horse,” Denzin said. “I then spent two-and-a-half years with everyone saying ‘that horse is going to kill you,’ and I thought no, you just have to learn how to ride him properly. “I certainly described Dash as hot, but he always had a kindness, and it was just that we weren't speaking the same language because I didn't understand. “And then I met a trainer who is actually now one of the Queensland Off-The-Track Acknowledged Retrainers - she was my showjumping coach and that helped a lot.” That trainer is Rebecca Henry, who was crowned the QOTT Acknowledged Retrainer of the Year at the 2023 Queensland Thoroughbred Awards. The Mount Garnet-based Henry is also a QOTT Approved Coach for the Subsidised Lessons Program, through which Denzin developed her skills. She said Henry’s tutelage had been invaluable in helping her develop her relationship with Dash. “I met Rebecca through going to a clinic, which happened to be at her property, and she said ‘yeah, I'll coach you, but you need to take on my advice, and learn how to ride a thoroughbred’,” Denzin recalled. “People had said they're just born to race and Rebecca taught me that they're intelligent and they're sensitive. “It’s so awesome that we have a coach who's in our region who is extremely experienced and does everything from having thoroughbreds on her property to horsemanship, showjumping, everything. “She really understands thoroughbreds and what they can do, and has a real passion for them. “Rebecca is also understanding of who these horses are and someone who really gets it - she's not trying to turn them into anything they're not. “It's about building understanding of who the horses are as individuals, as well their traits from their breeding, and building that real connection between horse and rider.” Denzin now refers to Dash as her “Mr Reliable,” with the pair chasing cows, competing in dressage and showjumping, and trail riding. The duo are also regular fixtures at the annual NuNu Melbourne Cup beach race and luncheon at Palm Cove in the Far North. The iconic event helps raise money for the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation, with the 2025 Calcutta auction adding $12,000 to the overall $200,000 total. In one of the images of the day, Denzin was photographed celebrating her friend and fellow Subsidised Lessons Program participant Naomi Hogan crossing the line first on fellow off-the-track thoroughbred I’m Not Sure. It was an extra special run for the 13-year-old gelding who had been forced to take a break from showjumping early last year. “He came up lame at a competition early last year, so Naomi retired him, and then spent all year trying to figure out what was going on,” Denzin explained. “He had actually spent all year getting fat in a paddock, and he was actually just coming back into work before that. “So she'd been so worried all year, and then to have him feeling good and absolutely dominate that race…I was so stoked for her, and so stoked for him. “He was prancing around like he just won the Melbourne Cup! “Last year was my fifth year being involved in the event and we’re increasing every year, and constantly looking at ways to maximize the amount of money that can be raised and what the horses can contribute as well.” Click here for more information on the Subsidised Lessons Program.