Gollan, Edmonds and Bell honoured at QTA Awards

The annual Queensland Trainers Association awards night was held at the Gold Coast Turf Club on Thursday, with some remarkable performances from the 2025-26 racing season recognised.

Continuing his run of major wins, Toby Edmonds has taken out the Magic Millions Wayne Wilson Medal thanks to Spicy Martini’s Stradbroke heroics.

In what was one of the closest vote counts in recent years, Edmonds (138 votes) won the medal from Robert Heathcote (133 votes), with Sunshine Coast trainer James Healy rounding out the placings.

Edmonds once again paid tribute to his farrier, whose work on the mare has been a key reason behind her ongoing success. He also applauded the team behind the scenes for identifying her when she was offered online.

Popular Emerald trainer Glenda Bell was also recognised for her decades of dedication to the thoroughbred industry, receiving the illustrious Pat Duff Trophy.

QTA executive Rich Andrews read out a tribute from Duff's family at the event, which was arguably the highlight of the night.

“This trophy is incredibly special to our family," Andrews read.

"While Pat achieved a great deal during his lifetime in racing, what mattered most to him were the people. For that reason, it means a great deal to us to see the trophy presented to someone who has made such a lasting contribution to racing.

“Glenda, your involvement in racing spans more than three decades and your achievements speak for themselves. From your unique achievement of being both a successful trainer and jockey to the continued success of your stable today, you have become an enduring and highly respected part of the Queensland racing community.

“Beyond those achievements, what stands out is the way you have given back to racing and to the people within it. The way you value your team, support those around you and continue to contribute to racing and your community reflects the qualities Pat held close and we know he would be very pleased to see this trophy presented to you.”

Meanwhile, Todd Pollard’s barnstorming first season as a trainer has been capped off by taking out the Rising Star Award.

After landing a metropolitan winner at his first attempt and finishing off the season with two stakes winners in June, it is fair to say his decision to move away from the safety of running someone else’s operation has been well and truly justified.

Also, announced on the night was that the Rising Star award will be officially named the ‘Tony Gollan Trophy’, which is appropriate recognition of Queensland’s Hall of Fame trainer and gives up-and-coming young trainers something to cherish for years to come.

Pollard was also announced as the Wayne Wilson Medal nominee for August after the victory of Midnight in Tokyo in the Group 3 Show County Quality.

There was another special moment at the QTA Awards, with Gollan presented with an Outstanding Achievement award following his 13th consecutive Trainers’ Premiership title and topping the 200-winner mark for the season.

ATA Chief Executive Stephen Bell flew from Melbourne to present Gollan with the award, after the Association’s federal body decided to recognise the incredible feat and provide a deserved reward for his entire team.