The nation’s premier breeding incentive bonus scheme for harness racing, QBRED, is about to get a lot more attractive.
As of September 1, Racing Queensland will introduce ‘QBRED For Life’, commencing an exciting new chapter for standardbreds.
Under QBRED For Life, the age restrictions on the first and second win bonuses for standardbreds will be lifted, with eligible horses also able to access the $1,000 QBRED cash bonuses, which are available on selected races.
The enhancements to the QBRED scheme were first announced in December among an additional $3 million in prize money for the harness code.
“The QBRED For Life strategy has been developed to stabilise the breeding industry and to help more Queensland participants and breeders take advantage of the lucrative QBRED scheme,” RQ COO Adam Wallish said.
“We unashamedly want people to back Queensland, buy Queensland and breed Queensland.
“By removing the age restrictions, there will now be less pressure to breed horses early in the season, while also ensuring that horses which mature later in life maintain the opportunity to win lucrative bonuses for their connections.”
During the 2018/19 financial year, almost $1.7 million in bonuses and stakes were paid out under QBRED.
The incentive scheme is expected to rise to $2.5 million in 2019/20.
As a result, a new fee structure will be introduced to coincide with the enhanced scheme. The payment options include:
- Series fees making the horse eligible for QBRED For Life; or
- Single year fees for the 2019/20 season. Upon payment of two single year fees, a horse will be deemed QBRED For Life including existing QBRED horses who have already paid at least two single year fees.
Sustaining payments for 3YO or older QBRED horses are due by August 31, 2019, while payments for 2YO QBRED horses are due by October 31, 2019.
Owners/breeders can complete an online payment transaction via their harnessweb account by clicking here.
Alternatively, they can complete the nomination form by clicking here.
In the meantime, any participants wanting to find out more about the QBRED scheme or enquire as to a horse’s eligibility are encouraged to contact Racing Queensland.
Full terms and conditions of the 19/20 scheme will be released shortly.