Successful QOTT Grants Program recipients unveiled

Racing Queensland has announced the 14 successful applicants from its 2026 Queensland Off-The-Track Grants Program.

Close to $200,000 has been awarded as part of the fifth round of the Grants Program, across a range of not-for-profit organisations, charities and QOTT Acknowledged Retrainers that provide equine retraining or rehabilitation services, or second careers for retired racehorses – including as therapy horses.

The successful applicants span across two grant initiatives. They are:

• QOTT Acknowledged Retrainer Expansion Grants – six grants totalling $104,476; and
• QOTT Therapy Horse Grants – eight grants totalling $86,200.

No applications were received for the QOTT Veterinary and Rehabilitation Grant.

Click here for more information on the 2026 QOTT Grants Program recipients.

Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander said that the Grants Program was a key initiative for increasing the post-racing opportunities available for retired racehorses. 

“The Queensland Off-The-Track Grants Program is an important step to expanding aftercare initiatives available to retired racehorses at every stage of life,” Minister Mander said. 

“The Crisafulli Government is committed to improving the welfare outcomes for retired racehorses in Queensland and that’s why we’ll continue to work toward initiatives outlined in The Next Lap: A plan for the future of Queensland racing. 

“I congratulate the recipients of this year’s grants and look forward to them making a significant impact to the wellbeing of retired racehorses.”

The QOTT Grants Program was established to support vulnerable horses by assisting not-for-profit organisations and charities who provide equine rehabilitation and retraining services for retired racehorses that are no longer part of the racing industry, but require assistance at later stages of their lives.

Support is also provided to equine-assisted therapy organisations that utilise retrained retired racehorses as part of their programs.

QOTT’s network of Acknowledged Retrainers across the state are also supported to expand their operations or upgrade their facilities, with the objective to grow their capacity to take on more retired racehorses.

During the opening four rounds of the QOTT Grants Program, close to $750,000 has been distributed to various groups across the state.

RQ Senior Animal Care Manager Kim Duffy said the QOTT Grants Program continues to invest in initiatives that support the successful transition and long-term welfare of retired racehorses.

"These grants will expand opportunities for retired racehorses by supporting the dedicated individuals and organisations who care for them," she said. 

"The calibre of applications received this year reflects the incredible dedication and expertise that exists throughout Queensland's off-the-track horse community.

"Congratulations to this year's recipients, whose work continues to make a valuable contribution to the welfare of retired racehorses and the continued growth of Queensland's aftercare network."

The QOTT Program was established in 2021 to support a high-quality first transition for thoroughbred and standardbred horses, bred for the racing industry and domiciled in Queensland at the time of their retirement from racing or breeding activities.

The Grants Program is one of 10 major QOTT Program initiatives introduced by RQ to support racehorse aftercare in Queensland.

Click here for more information on the QOTT Program.