Queensland breeders have unveiled plans to boost Queensland’s ailing prize-money levels through a rejuvenated bonus scheme.

It has been mooted for months that the breeders wanted a $6.50 multi-million injection of state government money to boost the QTIS bonus scheme.

The Queensland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association (QTBA) made the proposal to Racing Queensland late last year and since then the two organisations have been working on a final product.

QTBA President Basil Nolan said the proposed improvements were a step in the right direction which would only strengthen the industry within Queensland.  He said the proposal included expanding QTIS bonus payments to include four-year-old races plus a 6% winning Breeder’s Bonus on all QTIS races.

The proposal also includes a sales-related meeting of 8 races worth $100,000 each to coincide with the Gold Coast QTIS yearling sale in March.  A highlight would be a $500,000 weight-for-age race open to four-year-olds and under restricted to QTIS horses.