Successful applicants announced for QOTT Grants Program
Racing Minister Grace Grace has announced the 21 successful applicants for the 2023 Queensland Off-The-Track Grants Program.
In total, $286,000 has been awarded to a range of not-for-profit organisations, charities, businesses and QOTT Acknowledged Retrainers across the state, who provide equine retraining services, or second careers for retired racehorses, including as therapy horses.
The funding will benefit retired racehorses that have previously transitioned from the racing industry into the domestic horse community.
The successful applicants span across four alternative initiatives. They are:
- QOTT Business Expansion Grants – five grants awarded totalling $23,000;
- QOTT Acknowledged Retrainer Expansion Grants – eight grants totalling $157,000;
- QOTT Second Chance Retraining Grants – two grants totalling $52,000; and
- QOTT Therapy Horse Grants – six grants totalling $54,000.
Racing Minister Grace Grace said the QOTT Grants Program was an important step to help expand aftercare initiatives available to retired racehorses at all stages of their lives.
“The QOTT Grants Program collectively helps to improve outcomes for retired racehorses while supporting the growth of equine operators in Queensland,” Minister Grace said.
“I want to congratulate the community organisations, businesses and individuals who are the recipients of this year’s grants, and hope they continue to make a significant impact on the wellbeing of retired racehorses.
“In particular, it’s great to see our Acknowledged Retrainers well supported in this round of grants, which will assist in a variety of resourcing and infrastructure projects to help them expand their operations and upgrade their facilities.”
The QOTT Program was established to support a high-quality first transition for standardbred and thoroughbred horses, bred for the racing industry and domiciled in Queensland at the time of their retirement from racing or breeding activities.
To maximise aftercare outcomes, the QOTT Program supports the placement of retired racehorses into second careers, promotes life after racing options and identifies retirement pathways.
QOTT Chair Dr Christine Johnson said she was delighted to see a strong range of applicants for this year’s Grants Program.
“It’s fantastic to see the number of businesses and individuals applying for our new grant categories, which will help to boost the number of opportunities available for retired racehorses across Queensland,” Dr Johnson said.
“With a variety of grants on offer in 2023, we are ensuring that people working with retired racehorses are well supported in helping us achieve our animal care objectives.”
In 2022, the first round of grant funding supported seven not-for-profit organisations and charities by contributing more than $100,000 towards maximising aftercare outcomes.
The QOTT Grants Program complements the various post-racing initiatives introduced by QOTT over the past 18 months, including the Subsidised Lessons Program, Acknowledged Retrainers Program, Event Sponsorship Program, QOTT Clubhouse and the new OTT Owner Welcome Pack.
Click here to view the successful grant recipients.