Dr Christine Johnson has been appointed the new Chair of Queensland Off-The-Track.
Dr Johnson joins the QOTT as an experienced equine veterinarian, with wide-ranging experience in the racing industry as both a racetrack veterinarian and Equine Veterinarians Australia (EVA) representative to the former Australian Racing Board’s Veterinary and Analysts Committee.
She is a long-time member of the EVA and has served as Executive Committee member, President, and Conference Convenor.
Dr Johnson has also spent time in Western Queensland, where she worked part-time at race meetings, whilst owning and operating a veterinary practice, as well as running a cattle property with her husband.
In more recent years, Dr Johnson has been a familiar face on Queensland racetracks, performing veterinary duties during Stradbroke Season and Magic Millions each year.
Minister Grace said Dr Johnson was an outstanding choice to lead the QOTT Board, with strong veterinary ties to the racing industry in Queensland.
“Dr Johnson brings over 40 years of experience in the racing industry to the role, and will be a welcome addition to QOTT,” Ms Grace said.
“She has assisted in a veterinary capacity at Magic Millions for several years, worked part time for QRIC during the Winter Carnival and worked as a race-day veterinarian for RQ.
“I want to congratulate Dr Johnson on her appointment as QOTT Chair, and I look forward to seeing her continue the strong work of this important animal welfare focused program, transitioning thoroughbred and standardbred horses to life after racing.”
Dr Johnson said she was keen to put her knowledge and passion for the industry into practice in the new role.
“I have a lifelong love of horses and am committed to seeing a high-quality transition into aftercare for standardbred and thoroughbred horses,” she said.
“Since starting my career as a barrier attendant at provincial and metropolitan race meetings in Western Australia in 1980, through to working as an equine veterinarian across Western Australia, Victoria and Queensland, I’ve been up close to see the care and support that is required for horses.
“I am honoured to be taking on the role as QOTT Chair and am looking forward to working with all stakeholders to ensure the program continues to go from strength to strength.”
The QOTT program was established in 2021 following the Martin Inquiry to provide a high-quality first transition for thoroughbreds and standardbreds from racing and breeding activities to retirement.
Since its inception, QOTT has launched four major initiatives including the Subsidised Lessons Program, the Acknowledged Retrainers Program, the Event Sponsorship Program and the QOTT Grants Program.
During the 2023 Financial Year, the QOTT Program plans to expend more than $3 million on its animal care initiatives including a new round of grant funding in March.
Click here for more information on the QOTT Program.