Winning Ways Named Qld Horse of the Year

Greg Jones • September 23, 2019

The Garry Newham-trained Winning Ways has been crowned Horse of the Year at the TAB Queensland Thoroughbred Awards in Brisbane.

As Queensland’s sole Group 1 winner in 2018/19, Winning Ways was also named the Three-Year-Old Horse of the Year.

During the voting period, Winning Ways prevailed in the Group 1 Queensland Oaks and the Group 3 Gold Coast Bracelet to be the Sunshine State’s flagbearer during the recent Winter Racing Carnival.

In the Trainer of the Year Award, Tony Gollan prevailed for a sixth occasion, adding it to his Metropolitan Premiership win.

Having steered The Bostonian to Group 1 success in the Doomben 10,000 and the Kingsford-Smith, Michael Cahill was named Jockey of the Year.

The night also allowed Racing Queensland to induct five new members into the Hall of Fame with Bore Head, one of the state’s premier stayers who won the 1963 Queensland Cup, 1965 Caulfield Cup, the 1967 Australian Cup and the 1967 Doomben Cup, being acknowledged for his incredible accomplishments.

Fresh off his record-equalling 11th Hong Kong Premiership win, John Size was inducted as a Hall of Fame trainer, while Noel Best, who announced himself as a force to reckoned with at just 16 when he piloted Murray Stream to victory in the Doomben 10,000, was acknowledged for his feats in the saddle.

The voice of the Darling Downs, experienced broadcaster Pat O’Shea, was inducted as an associate, as was former Tattersall’s Club President, Sir Albert Sakzewski.

“Winning Ways was the standout thoroughbred performance over the season,” RQ CEO Brendan Parnell.

“She’s developed into a very nice mare, but she had to fight off three legitimate contenders in Tyzone, Winter Bride and Zoustyle.

“Tony Gollan has been a consistent force in our training ranks and thoroughly deserves his sixth Trainer of the Year Award, while Michael Cahill enjoyed an outstanding Winter Carnival and year as a whole.

“It was also a huge thrill to be able to acknowledge our Hall of Fame inductees, including Pat O’Shea, who served as an early mentor of mine.”

While edged out for the night’s top gong, Tyzone, who won the Listed Goldmarket Handicap and the Group 3 BRC Sprint for Toby Edmonds – as well as finishing second in the Stradbroke Handicap – was named the Four Years and Older Horse of the Year.

The Kelly Schweida-trained The Odyssey was awarded the Two-Year-Old Horse of the Year after winning four of seven starts including the $500,000 2YO Jewel at the Gold Coast, whilst placing a further two times.

Other award winners on the night included Baylee Nothdurft securing the Ken Russell Queensland Apprentice of the Year – and the Metropolitan Apprentice of the Year – while Bevan Johnson enjoyed a double of his own as he and Fab's Cowboy were acknowledged as the Country Trainer and Horse of the Year respectively.

RQ also took the opportunity to acknowledge retiring jockey, Jeff Lloyd, who won his fourth consecutive Metropolitan Premiership, and in the process, called time on an incredible riding career which spawned more than 5000 winners including 94 at Group 1 level.

2019 TAB Queensland Thoroughbred Award Winners

 

TAB Queensland Thoroughbred Horse of the Year – Winning Ways (Garry Newham)

Magic Millions Queensland Trainer of the Year – Tony Gollan

 

Garrard’s Horse and Hound Queensland Jockey of the Year – Michael Cahill

 

Sky Racing Ken Russell Queensland Apprentice of the Year – Baylee Nothdurft

 

HQ Insurance Metropolitan Trainers’ Premiership – Tony Gollan

 

Magic Millions Insurance Brokers Metropolitan Jockeys’ Premiership – Jeff Lloyd

 

Screen Offset Printing Metropolitan Apprentice of the Year – Baylee Nothdurft

 

QTIS Provincial Apprentice of the Year – Adin Thompson

 

Queensland Jockeys’ Association Country Apprentice of the Year – Emma Bell

 

MEGT Student of the Year – Hannah Phillips

 

QRIC Stewards Award – Michael Cahill

 

QTIS Horse of the Year  –  sponsored by Spirit of Boom – Hold The Line (David Vandyke)

 

Zero Seven Queensland 2YO Horse of the Year – The Odyssey (Kelly Schweida)

 

QROA Queensland 3YO Horse of the Year – Winning Ways (Garry Newham)

 

Access Insulation Queensland 4YO and Older Horse of the Year – Tyzone (Toby Edmonds)

 

KBL Thoroughbreds Provincial Horse of the Year – Mr Attitude (Ricky Vale)

 

Ardex Essentials Provincial Trainer of the Year – Stuart Kendrick

 

Ipswich Turf Club Provincial Premiership Jockey – Justin Stanley

 

RaceQ Country Premiership Horse of the Year – Fab’s Cowboy (Bevan Johnson)

 

Ladies in Racing Magazine Country Premiership Trainer – Bevan Johnson

 

Munce Racing Country Premiership Jockey – Dan Ballard

 

TBQA Queensland Stallion of the Year – Spirit of Boom

 

TBQA Champion First Season Stallion – Better Than Ready  ( pictured )

 

TBQA Champion 2YO Stallion – Better Than Ready

 

TBQA Broodmare of the Year – She's Meaner

 

Hall of Fame (Horse) Sponsored by Commotion Creative – Bore Head

 

Hall of Fame (Jockey) Sponsored by Medical Rescue – Noel Best

 

Hall of Fame (Trainer) Sponsored by Brisbane Racing Club – John Size

 

Hall of Fame (Associate) Sponsored by Tattersall's Racing Club – Sir Albert Sakzewski

 

Hall of Fame (Associate) Sponsored by Pullman Brisbane Airport Hotel – Pat O’Shea

Quick as a Fox: Sockcee Shines at Ekka

August 17, 2026
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.

Rocket of Gold Fires to Victory in QOTT Showjumping

August 17, 2026
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.

National Thoroughbred Week Hosting

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

QTIS Registrations Now Open for 2025 Foals

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

2026 QTIS Premiers Announced

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

2026 Qld Champion Stallion

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

2026 Champion 2YO Sire

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

2026 Champion First Season Sire

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

Qld's Best Broodmare to be Crowned at RQ Awards

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

2026 Queensland Thoroughbred Awards

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