Qld breeders weigh into debate over plan

Thursday 10 December 2015, 1:42pm

Queensland's main thoroughbred breeding organisation has joined the criticism of the recent Tracking to Sustainability plan released by the state government and Racing Queensland.

Racehorse breeders have joined trainers, owners and jockeys in questioning aspects of the plan which was released last week.

It includes major cuts to metropolitan prize money and to Brisbane's flagship race, the Stradbroke Handicap, will has had its purse reduced from $2 million to $1.5 million.

Basil Nolan, president of the Thoroughbred Breeders Queensland Association, says the plan won't achieve it's aim to produce a sustainable local racing industry.

"RQ has just taken the lazy way out by deducting prize money and slashing country racing," Nolan said.

Nolan said the decision to sack the previous Racing Queensland board was viewed by many in the industry as a political move that had serious consequences.

"The industry is on a downward spiral because decisions are being made by people who have no idea about racing, thanks to the failings of a government that has no interest in the industry," Nolan said.

He has called for more transparency regarding details of the plan, including a breakdown of the data that allegedly show RQ will make a projected loss of $28 million this financial year.

Nolan questioned the appointment this week of a new racing minister, Grace Grace, who has no interest in the sport.

Queensland's leading owner Neville Morgan has also weighed into the discussion saying the current situation where one body runs the state's thoroughbred, harness and greyhound racing is unworkable.

Morgan, who has owned Group One winners Rangirangdoo, Kermadec and Sizzling, said it was difficult to recruit a top chief executive when they were expected to run three distinct codes.

– AAP

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