TBQA slams Queensland Govt

Thoroughbred Breeders Queensland President Basil Nolan has slammed the State Government for its inaction in providing assistance to the struggling racing industry.

Nolan said the dismal results at this week’s Magic Millions March Sale proves the Queensland racing and breeding industry is going backwards.  “Government inaction is crippling our livelihoods,” he stated.  “Every other sale in the country is improving and this one has gone backwards.

“The State Government needs to put some of our own money back into racing and give us more prizemoney or we will wither and die,” Nolan added.  “Our future is in their hands.  They’re getting plenty out of the industry and give nothing back.”

The TBQA had put a proposal together to improve Queensland’s prizemoney and following what seemed like positive negotiations an announcement by the State Government was expected prior to the March sale.

Nolan said this would have given the industry the shot in the arm it so desperately needs, however, in what was a very disheartening decision the announcement was put back until the State Budget is released later this year.

“They keep making promises and don’t deliver,” said Nolan.  “The Racing Minister has been quoted on numerous occasions since coming to power that we were going to be the equal of NSW and Victoria but we’re just getting further and further behind.

“People were prepared to continue purchasing yearlings over the past few years because of the new Government and the glimmer of hope that there would be positive developments but unfortunately they’ve done nothing and breeders have borne the brunt of that this week.”

Despite the disappointment and frustration, the TBQA will continue to work alongside Racing Queensland and Magic Millions to pressure the State Government to try to improve the industry and boost prizemoney.

In another blow to the local industry, the Chinese Government has banned all imports of Queensland thoroughbreds.

Willowbend Stud owner David Lucas had recently selected 87 horses to be exported to China.  Unfortunately, he has received a call from the Director of the Agriculture and Science Department in Beijing advising that all imports from Queensland and Northern NSW are now banned due to concerns about a virus.

The Chinese would not elaborate.

Lucas has advised the Queensland Agriculture Minister John McVeigh and Racing Minister Steven Dickson of the situation and he is also making further enquiries with China.