The renowned Darling Downs region in Queensland has already produced four Group 1 winners this year and the benefits will flow on to the QTIS 600 yearling sale at the Magic Million Gold Coast complex this coming Sunday and Monday, March 21 & 22.

The Group 1 honour-roll consists of Star Witness (Ken Turner – Alma Vale), Gold Trail (Rob Atkinson – Furlong Stud), Shoot Out (Neville Stewart – Oaklands Stud) and Wanted (Ron Gilbert – Highgrove Stud).

“It vindicates the on-going investment by Queensland breeders in broodmares and stallions,” TBQA President Bob Frappell said this week.  “I’m sure the statistics will continue to show the rise of Queensland progeny in the months and years to come.”

While those G1 gallopers are making a name for themselves nationally and internationally, the accolades for Queenslanders don’t stop there.

The Downs has also produced the Top 6 qualifiers for this Saturday’s QTIS 600 2YO Plate on the Gold Coast – Tough Luck, Steel Dragon, Marking Time, Huff and Puff, Hidden Kisses and Random Orbit.

“The job’s not done, but it’s obviously well on the way,” Frappell continued.  “I’m sure the upcoming yearling sale will reap the benefits of the QTIS 600 initiative.”