Vale Brian Russell

Adrienne Kelley lives over 500 kilometres from the nearest eventing course, while the closest equine specialist vet is more than 120 kilometres away. Her property just outside Ingham was also inundated by flooding at the start of 2025. But rather than be hampered by the long distances and the extreme weather that are part and parcel of living in North Queensland, the Queensland Off-The-Track Acknowledged Retrainer relishes the amount of freedom and space she has to work in. The 35-year-old has been part of the QOTT Acknowledged Retrainers Program since September 2024. Kelley was always destined to go into retaining retired thoroughbreds, having grown up in a family heavily involved in horsemanship. “It runs in the blood - my family has been involved with horses for generations, my granddad was a staunch pony clubber, and my dad followed through with that,” Kelley said. “Granddad used to break in racehorses for a few of the families locally, so I always had an exposure to thoroughbreds. “My first real horse after I finished riding ponies was a thoroughbred that came through him, Blue Mystique was her name - she was very cool, and I fell in love from there with the thoroughbreds. “I grew up within a five-kilometre radius of where we are today, and I bought out the remainder of the family farm with my partner a few years ago. “We built our paddocks, and then we built our house, and we're just constantly evolving the property from there.” Kelley participates in everything from dressage, showjumping, eventing, endurance, sporting, mustering cattle, trail riding, the occasional bout of horseback archery or working equitation, as well as riding as clerk-of-the-course for the Herbert River Jockey Club. She has taken a number of off-the-track thoroughbreds from the track through to top 10 placings at Pony Club Queensland State Championship level. Her first galloper as part of the QOTT Program was No One There, a former racehorse trained by John Manzelmann who has since gone on to a career in pony club. Retired gallopers from the Janel Ryan and Georgie Holt stables have also graced the property in the last few years. Kelley is one of only three QOTT Acknowledged Retrainers north of Townsville, alongside Jenna Arnett and Rebecca Henry. While the remoteness of her location can prove challenging, Kelley said it was important to provide suitable options for retired racehorses in the region. “It's often a little bit tough doing anything with horses in regional North Queensland - I'm an eventer at heart, and we're about 500 kilometres from our nearest eventing course,” Kelley said. “Our local pony club has a cross-country course, and we unfortunately got flooded quite badly last year, and we're very slowly regaining that ground and equipment, but to compete, we've got to travel over 500 kilometres. “We're 120 kilometres from our nearest specialist vet, and we've got an equine chiropractor, but we don’t have any other remedial therapy providers locally. “But one good thing about living regionally is that there's plenty of space, and I'm always happy to help out our local trainers who don't want to put their horses on a truck to the Brisbane area to find a retraining opportunity.” Kelley’s resilience was put to the test at the start of last year when a one-in-100-year rain event wreaked havoc on the region. Her property at Braemeadows was inundated, with over 600 millimetres of rainfall falling in 24 hours around the area. It led to some nervous moments for Kelley and partner Levi as they worked to keep their horses safe. “It certainly wasn't advertised to get as serious as quickly as it did, and we were caught a little off guard,” Kelley recalls. “We did find ourselves moving horses through waist-deep water to get them out and onto dry ground. “Luckily, the roads are fairly high so we could get out there and walk them down to our wonderful neighbours who had a sandlot out of water, which was much appreciated by all of us. “We did lose a little bit of gear, we had water go through our shed, a bit of tack was lost and a fair bit of feed got wet and mouldy. “But the North Queensland spirit is strong, the community came together, and our horse community locally was really well supported by the crew north and south of us, and Cairns and Townsville really came together to help us out.” Kelley currently has seven horses on her property, with retired galloper King Canute progressing through the QOTT retraining program. The bay gelding had 21 starts over his career in the care of FNQ trainers Trevor and Peter Rowe, Scott Cooper and Renee Schluenz. The thoroughbred is likely to head into the discipline of eventing in Mackay for his new life post-racing, with Kelley committed to seeing King Canute thrive in retirement. “I have always been an advocate for thoroughbreds, particularly in the pony club world,” Kelley said. “I don't think you can find a horse that's more capable and affordable, and just all-round pony club appropriate, so long as they've had a good foundation. “I spend a lot of time on the basics and the foundations, and I don't get out very much in the competition world with my off-the-track horses. “My greatest achievement is producing good horses that are capable of going on to any home, and I know that they're not going to cause problems or upset or misbehave as much as I can guarantee, having put them through their paces in a range of circumstances.” Kelley could not speak higher of the QOTT Program for providing support to retrainers as they prepare retired racehorses for their new careers. “I think it's fantastic - it makes it doable to do the diagnostics, to do the rehab that needs to be done,” Kelley said. “A set of rehab shoes are not cheap, and in the normal day-to-day, that's not what I would consistently be able to afford for one of my horses. “But with the support of the QOTT Program, I know I can pour the money into getting to the answers and hopefully the best outcomes possible for the horses without having to stress and eat noodles for a month. “I also appreciate the access to the lessons and then being able to on sell that to my clients and to the people who are purchasing my off-the-track horses. “Knowing I send them off with all of the information they need to join the QOTT Program initiatives, stay involved in the QOTT Program, and continue that contact with Racing Queensland and its Approved Coaches and Acknowledged Retrainers is fantastic.”  Click here for more information on the QOTT Acknowledged Retrainers Program.

Internationally renowned thoroughbred breeder, Basil Nolan, manager of Raheen Stud at Goomburra near Warwick has been inducted into the Queensland Hall of Fame. The honour came at yesterday’s Racing Queensland Thoroughbred Awards at The Star, Brisbane before 2,500 racing industry participants. The TBQA presented Basil and Di with an original portrait painting commissioned by Toowoomba-based artist, Kelly Charles. For more than six decades, Basil has played a significant role in shaping the racing and breeding industry, with his influence extending from his family’s Raheen Stud near Warwick to state and national industry boards, government and wagering. Basil grew up in racing and breeding, with his parents establishing Raheen Stud in 1957 near Warwick. Under Basil’s leadership, Raheen has grown into one of Queensland’s most respected thoroughbred nurseries, while remaining a proudly family-run operation. His contribution to the industry began at an early age, when he was first elected to the Thoroughbred Breeders Queensland Association committee in 1969 at just 22 years of age. He went on to serve as TBQA President from 1980 to 1991, before returning to the role in 2010 - a testament to the trust and respect he has earned throughout the industry. One of Basil’s defining strengths has been his ability to advocate effectively at government level. Through decades of consultation with ministers, senior government officials and key industry representatives, he has played a central role in delivering lasting reforms and initiatives, including: Strengthened QTIS and Breeders Bonus schemes Protection of the QTIS Sale Improved promotion of Queensland-bred horses Vital animal welfare and racehorse rehoming initiatives Securing government funding for Hendra Virus research and the subsequent rollout of the Hendra vaccine Retaining the Group 1 status of the Queensland Oaks Implementing emergency assistance programs for breeders during devastating flood and drought events At a national level, Basil has been a Queensland representative on the board of Thoroughbred Breeders Australia since its inception in 2005 and served as its President from 2014 until May this year. His national representation ensured Queensland had a strong and respected voice within the Australian thoroughbred industry, with Basil contributing to initiatives including: Improved marketing and promotion of Australian thoroughbreds through Aushorse Expanding black-type racing opportunities for Queensland Supporting the introduction of micro-chipping and DNA identification Helping establish a thriving international export market for Australian thoroughbreds Adding to Basil’s rare breadth of industry experience is his 22-year career as a bookmaker at Eagle Farm. His firsthand knowledge of wagering proved invaluable during discussions around race-fields legislation and ultimately helped support changes that delivered a wider distribution of prizemoney across Queensland. While Basil’s achievements span governance, breeding, racing, wagering and advocacy, his motivation has always been straightforward - a belief that a strong and healthy industry benefits everyone. His passion extends beyond his own family and business to breeders, owners, trainers and participants across Queensland, and to ensuring the industry remains sustainable for future generations. Reflecting on his induction, Basil said he was both surprised and humbled by the recognition. “It’s an incredible honour and one I truly never expected,” Basil said. “I’ve been very fortunate to spend my life in an industry that I love, and to have had the opportunity to represent Queensland breeders and work for the betterment of racing and breeding. “But this honour is not just about me. It is recognition of the thousands of breeders, owners, trainers and industry participants who make up our industry, and I’m very proud to accept it on their behalf. “I also couldn’t have done any of it without the support of my wife Diane and my family, who have been my backbone throughout the years.” TBQA Executive Officer Stacey Silver said Basil’s induction was a fitting recognition of an extraordinary contribution to Queensland racing and breeding. “Basil’s contribution to our industry is difficult to put into words because it has been so broad and has spanned more than six decades,” Ms Silver said. “He has been a breeder, owner, bookmaker, advocate, leader and, most importantly, a passionate voice for Queensland breeders. “Basil has never been afraid to stand up for what he believes is right for the industry, whether that has meant dealing with government, negotiating with industry bodies or fighting to protect opportunities for Queensland breeders. “His knowledge, determination and willingness to put in the hard yards have delivered real and lasting benefits for our industry. “For the TBQA and our members, Basil’s induction is something we are incredibly proud of. It is wonderful to see his decades of commitment, leadership and service recognised in this way.” Basil Nolan’s induction into the Queensland Racing Hall of Fame recognises more than six decades of leadership, advocacy and unwavering commitment to Queensland racing and breeding.  It is recognition of a career dedicated to strengthening the industry he has been part of for virtually his entire life, and a contribution that has left a lasting mark on the Queensland racing community.

SHEZA GYPSY Top Performer: Sheza Alibi (m. 2021 – by Saxon Warrior). 10 starts. 7-2-1. A$3,719,945. Sheza Gypsy has been crowned Queensland Broodmare of the Year following the extraordinary season enjoyed by her outstanding daughter, Sheza Alibi. The four-year-old mare emerged as one of Australia's elite performers during the 2025–26 racing season, capturing two Group 1 victories in the Randwick Guineas and Doncaster Handicap, together with Group 2 successes in the Armanasco Stakes and Sandown Guineas, and the Group 3 Vanity Stakes. Bred in Queensland by long-time hobby breeders Fred and Desley Monsour, Sheza Alibi completed the season with seven wins, two seconds and a third from just 10 starts, amassing A$3,719,945 in prizemoney. Her remarkable rise began after being purchased by Queensland cattle breeder Fred Noffke for just A$10,000 through the Inglis Digital June (Early) Online Sale as a weanling. She was initially entrusted to Toowoomba trainer Matt Kropp before beginning her racing career with Rockhampton trainer Kris Hansen, whose patient handling laid the foundation for her progression to the Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman stable. The success of Sheza Alibi is a testament to the breeding program developed by Fred and Desley Monsour over several decades. A true Queensland story, both Sheza Gypsy and her star daughter were bred by the Monsours, whose patience and dedication have been rewarded with one of the state's most memorable breeding achievements. Adding another Queensland chapter to the story, Sheza Gypsy was purchased last year by Queensland breeders Cameron and Kellie Bond, ensuring the Broodmare of the Year remains in the hands of local breeders. Sheza Gypsy's Broodmare of the Year title is fitting recognition of the influence she has already had on Queensland breeding, with Sheza Alibi's outstanding achievements ensuring her place among the state's most accomplished producers.

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.