The new-look TAB Queensland Racing Carnival will be bolstered in 2020 through the addition of the $200,000 QTIS Gold Jewel and QTISx bonuses on all stakes races.
Staged at Eagle Farm on Queensland Oaks Day, the QTIS Gold Jewel will be run over 1300m for QTIS registered horses, providing owners and breeders with more incentive than ever to support the Queensland breeding industry.
The meeting will be staged either side of the TAB Kingsford-Smith Cup and the Stradbroke Handicap and is expected to feature some of the Sunshine State’s finest sprinters.
Having previously announced the $1.5 million EVA Air Q22 (2200m) and the creation of the $150,000 Pam O’Neill (1350m), Racing Queensland GM Corporate Affairs Mary Collier was up-beat about the Carnival enhancements.
“The Carnival is starting to really take shape and we’re looking forward to adding the QTIS Gold Jewel,” Ms Collier said.
“In addition to the QTIS Gold Jewel, there’s more than $1.7 million in QTISx sales vouchers available across the Carnival – along with a further $340,000 in breeders’ bonuses – demonstrating why we believe QTIS is the best thoroughbred incentive scheme.”
Brisbane Racing Club CEO Tony Partridge said the Eagle Farm component of the Carnival had been transformed in 2020.
“This track has been racing in superb fashion since its 2018 renovation,” Mr Partridge said.
“It’s ready to again host three consecutive Saturdays of Group 1 racing in May and June.
“While the Carnival attracts horses from across Australia and New Zealand, some of our best moments have come from the performances of Queensland horses. The QTIS Gold Jewel provides another avenue for Queenslanders to be recognised.”
Since the introduction of QTISx in September, more than $150,000 in bonuses have been won with more on the horizon.
Thoroughbred Breeders Queensland Association President Basil Nolan said the introduction of QTISx had been a boon for the industry as a whole.
"The benefit of QTISx is the recognition and reward it provides to the entire industry including our breeders," Mr Nolan said.
“There’s more reason than ever for people to be supporting Queensland bred horses.”