THERE appears to be some confusion over the qualifying conditions for Broodmare of the Year and there are calls for Racing Queensland and the Queensland Thoroughbred Breeders Association to provide some clarification.
This relates to whether the winner has to be based in Queensland for at least some part of her breeding career (or at least served by a locally-based stallion), which does not appear to be the case with this year’s winner, Sheza Gypsy, dam of one of Australia’s best race mares Sheza Alibi.
From what LGHR can ascertain Sheza Gypsy only arrived in Queensland about a year ago after spending all her breeding career in NSW where her progeny (by non-Queensland stallions) were born.
We are reliably informed that she won Broodmare of the Year despite the QTBA (and its President Basil Nolan, with an ‘a’) being advised prior to the presentation that Sheza Alibi was in fact bred at Middlebrook Lodge in NSW. Critics are questioning why, for some strange reason, the QTBA website continues to promote the incorrect assertion that this outstanding mare was bred in Queensland.
Well-known Queensland horse breaker and breeder, Kelli Bond, on receiving an Award for her purchase 12 months ago from NSW of Broodmare of the Year Sheza Gypsy, announced that this season the mare would be covered by a NSW-based stallion, either Extreme Choice or Home Affairs. It seems Sheza Gypsy, although the producer of Queensland-owned Sheza Alibi, has never been to a Queensland stallion.
Critics are questioning whether Racing Queensland or QTBA Board heavies, specifically Mr Nolan, with an ‘a’, (a recent inductee into the Hall of Fame for his contribution to the breeding industry in the Sunshine State) full understand the difference between Queensland and NSW-bred mares.
Sadly this is where there are whispers of political interference. LGHR certainly hopes that Huss On Fire, the dam of gun Queensland galloper Rothfire (winner of the QTIS Horse of the Year Award) was not overlooked as Broodmare of the Year because she is owned by Wally and Jill Gleeson.
During her breeding career Huss On Fire was served by seven Queensland stallions with Rothfire being her last foal. It would appear that Sheza Gypsy, winner of the Award, has not been covered by a locally based stallion. So have the qualifying conditions for Broodmare of the Year changed or why was Huss On Fire overlooked?
Those who believe that Huss On Fire was ‘robbed’ of an overdue win as Broodmare of the Year are hoping that Wally Gleeson isn’t paying the price for his criticism of certain racing heavyweights in Queensland, including the performance of Mr Nolan as QTBA Chairman on occasions, which is his right as a breeder.
Several Queensland studs have advised the QTBA in the past week that they will send close to 30 mares interstate this year. The Gleeson family mares will all go to Queensland based stallions, including Don Corleone (Eureka), Prague (Oaklands), Sun City (Telemon) and Prost (Aquis).
For those studs sending their mares interstate it is a business decision as they depend on sales of yearlings wheras the Gleeson family involvement is more hobby-related.
Basil Nolan has indicated he will retire as Chairman of the QTBA this year. We understand Wally Gleeson and plenty of other breeders can’t wait. They believe the Board, under Nolan’s leadership, is stuck in quick sand.
A Gleeson family member has previously tried to become part of the QTBA Board but as so often happens in racing in Queensland if you refuse to toe the political line or speak out of turn against officialdom there is no place for your involvement at that level. More the shame.
