Queensland ATA introduce Rising Star prize

The Queensland branch of the Australian Trainers Association, in partnership with Magic Millions, has unveiled its inaugural Queensland ATA Rising Star prize.

The new prize will recognise the state’s leading trainer aged 35 and under throughout the famous Magic Millions Carnival.

The winner will be awarded a $10,000 Magic Millions sales credit for the 2026 Gold Coast March Yearling Sale (March 12-13), plus a table of 10 at the sale – including food and beverages.

“The training ranks in Queensland has never looked stronger,” Queensland ATA Executive Richard Andrews said.

“This includes an exciting list of young up-and-coming trainers, who either train on their own or are in partnerships with family members – including some of the state’s leading mentors like recent Pat Duff Trophy winner Barry Lockwood.

“The Queensland ATA has established a terrific relationship with Magic Millions over the years, which in more recent times has seen them sponsor our major award, The Wayne Wilson Medal, and we thank Barry and the team for their ongoing support.”

In addition to the winner’s bonus, there will be sales vouchers for the second and third place trainers ($5,000 & $2,500 respectively) over the exciting Summer Carnival.

“Supporting Queensland racing participants, including trainers, at all levels of the industry is incredibly important to Magic Millions,” Magic Millions Managing Director Barry Bowditch said.

“The Queensland ATA do a wonderful job on behalf of their members, and we are absolutely delighted to support their new initiative of the Queensland ATA Rising Star.

“We look forward to hosting the winners at the Gold Coast March Yearling Sale.”

QLD ATA RISING STAR PRIZE – MAGIC MILLIONS CARNIVAL

Races

• December 19: GC The Debut;
• January 10: MM Maiden, MM Rising Stars F&M, MM Rising Stars C,G&E, MM The Wave, MM The Syndicate, MM QTIS, MM Sunlight; and
• January 17: MM 2YO Classic, MM 3YO Guineas, MM Cup, MM Snippets, MM Subzero, MM F&M, MM Country Cup, MM The Debut, MM Class 6 Plate, MM Maiden.

Eligibility

• ATA Member 2025/26 season;
• 35-years-old and under; and
• Can be in a training partnership.

Prize/s

• 1st: $10,000 MM sales credit voucher for the 2026 Gold Coast March Yearling Sale + table of 10 at the sale (including food and beverages);
• 2nd: $5,000 MM sales credit voucher for the 2026 Gold Coast March Yearling Sale; and
• 3rd: $2,500 MM sales credit voucher for the 2026 Gold Coast March Yearling Sale.