Brisbane Race Club chairman Neville Bell wants the Queensland government to explain why thoroughbred racing is bearing the brunt of massive prize money cuts.

The government and Racing Queensland's Tracking to Sustainability plan was released on Thursday amid protests from the racing industry with Bell leading the way.

In all, $18.8 million has been cut with the majority coming from thoroughbred racing.

Metropolitan prize money will drop from $65,000 to $60,000 in six races each Saturday with two races going to $50,000.

Brisbane's flagship race, the Stradbroke Handicap, will go from $2 million to $1.5 million.

"Prize money is the lifeblood of the industry and the reductions amount to a significant pay cut for good people including owners, trainers and jockeys," Bell said.

"These people have no control over the factors that influence wagering."

He said the state government was yet to explain why the broader industry was bearing the brunt for decisions made by a range of officials regarding anticipated wagering revenues and the overall wagering deal.

"The preservation of the Magic Millions subsidy, while the wider industry must cope with prize money cuts, is an example of this thinking," Bell said.

He was also upset with the reduction in prize money for the Stradbroke.

"It is extremely disappointing and will impact on the chances of growing this great race to an international audience," Bell said.

He said RQ's decisions were made following a year in which Eagle Farm, the state's most popular track for wagering, was closed for all but two months for redevelopment.