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RQ throws support behind new awards night

8 February 2019

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Racing Queensland has come aboard as the major sponsor of a new awards night that aims to further showcase the state’s best Queensland country thoroughbred participants.

The first On The Bit Queensland Country Racing Awards will be held in Emerald on Saturday 16 February 2019. In total 14 awards will be presented on the night including the ‘On The Bit’ Queensland Country Trainer, Horse and Jockey of the Year Award.

Guest speakers on the night will include retired jockey Jimmy ‘Pumper’ Cassidy, former cricket great Andy Bichel, legendary racecaller Alan Thomas and renowned poet Rupert McCall.

On The Bit is a Facebook platform that aims to highlight the efforts of country clubs, trainers, owners and jockeys, particularly on the non-TAB circuit. The page distributes important racing information for participants and fans, live streams non-Tab race days and provides video previews for upcoming racing events.

CEO Brendan Parnell said Racing Queensland was proud to support the On The Bit platform, which has generated new levels of interest in country racing.

“Grassroots participation is critical to the ongoing success of the Queensland thoroughbred industry,” Mr Parnell said.

“More than 34,000 regional Queenslanders participate in our industry, which is why we are proud to stand behind On The Bit as they strive to put these participants in the spotlight.”

On The Bit was established by passionate country racing supporter Matt Peters and with the help of Andrew Watt and ‘Bush Beat’s’ Rob Luck, now averages 35,000 views per-week on the Facebook platform.

Mr Peters welcomed Racing Queensland’s sponsorship of the event.  

“Country racing is an integral part of the industry in Queensland and things are only looking up from here,” Mr Peters said.

“On The Bit would like to thank Brendan Parnell and Racing Queensland for their support of this inaugural event, which we hope can continue to grow in the years to come.”

Tickets for the inaugural On The Bit Queensland Country Racing Awards are selling fast. To learn more visit https://www.eventbrite.com.au and search ‘On The Bit Qld Country Racing Awards’.