Owners and breeders have already benefitted from Racing Queensland’s move to boost its highly successful QBRED incentive scheme.
RQ re-introduced the 4YO first win bonus for 2017/18, with two Redcliffe winners (Gotta Go Ralphie and Lucifers Legend) each collecting a $2500 bonus just days into the new season.
The wins mean both horses have collected bonuses in their two, three and four-year-old seasons thanks to the QBRED scheme.
With the $7500 first win bonus remaining in place for 2YO and 3YO horses, it means horses will race for $17,500 in bonuses throughout their careers.
This season 530 horses will be eligible for the lucrative QBRED scheme, with more than $1 million in bonuses to be won.
“We have seen a 20% increase of paid-up QBRED horses compared to last season,” An RQ Harness Racing spokesperson said.
“Not only will these horses be eligible for the industry-leading bonus, they will also have the chance to compete in QBRED exclusive races including the Triad Series, and the new QBRED-only race meeting in May, 2018.”
Last season, 117 QBRED two-year-old and three-year-old horses received a QBRED bonus on top of their winning prize money, with more than $880,000 in bonuses paid out.
Fifty-five 2YOs won their QBRED bonus in 2016/17 made up of 28 fillies and 27 colts. This is the highest number of 2YO QBRED Bonus winners in the past 5 years.
Outstanding QBRED performers throughout the season included Cherish The Moment, Major Cam, Bonnie Jujon, Clintal Do, Catcha Lefty, Constantlysideways, Frankie Rocks, Subtle Delight, Im Norma Jean and Jossie James, to name a few.
