The finalists for the 2023 TAB Queensland Thoroughbred Awards have been unveiled.
The Awards, to be held at a gala event at the Royal International Convention Centre on Sunday, October 8, will recognise the Sunshine State’s most outstanding gallopers and participants over the past season.
In total, almost 30 awards will be presented, including Trainer, Jockey and Apprentice of the Year, as well as the Queensland Horse of the Year.
Heading up the star-studded 3YO Horse of the Year nominations is Queensland Derby winner Kovalica, whose stellar Queensland Racing Carnival also included a Group 2 Queensland Guineas triumph and a third in the Doomben Cup.
Also vying for the title is Yellow Brick, who has enjoyed a strong 12 months with wins in the King Of The Mountain and Group 3 Gold Coast Guineas, as well as Group 3 Winx Guineas champion Knight’s Choice.
Nominations for 2YO Horse of the Year are just as impressive, with boom filly Skirt The Law up against the Group 2-winning Cifrado, rising star Appin Girl and Queensland Jewel champion Mishani Royale.
Uncommon James is one of three nominations for 4YO & Older Horse of the Year on the back of a stirring Group 1 Oakleigh Plate triumph at Sandown in February.
Also in the running is Tattersall’s Tiara winner Palaisipan and the ever-reliable Rothfire, who claimed two Group 2 features last season, on top of placings in three Group 1 events.
Racing Minister Grace Grace said she was looking forward to celebrating the accomplishments of horses, jockeys, apprentices and trainers across the industry.
“Once again, the depth and quality of the nominations in each category proves what a strong position racing is in across Queensland, with many of the nominees showcasing their talents both at home and interstate last season,” Minister Grace said.
“There is class and quality across the board, and we look forward to another stellar evening celebrating the outstanding achievements of the last twelve months.
“Our three Queensland Horse of the Year finalists are arguably as strong as we’ve seen in recent years, featuring two Group 1 winners and a Magic Millions champion, in an award that will no doubt again come down to the wire.”
On the back of another record-breaking year, Tony Gollan looks set to make it a perfect 10 straight Queensland Trainer of the Year titles, with Chris Munce and the Steven O’Dea/Matt Hoysted partnership also in contention, alongside the ever-consistent Rob Heathcote and Chris Waller.
Two of last year’s Queensland Jockey of Year finalists in Ryan Maloney and James Orman will again battle for position for the coveted title, joined by provincial star Ryan Wiggins and young gun Ben Thompson.
Rising star Angela Jones, who finished on the podium in the Metropolitan Premiership, has been nominated for Queensland Apprentice of the Year, with Emily Lang, Jaden Lloyd and Bailey Wheeler her rivals.
Finally, Hall of Fame inductees, which were previously unveiled at the Queensland Thoroughbred Awards, will now be acknowledged at a standalone function in 2024.
Click here for further information about the 2023 TAB Queensland Thoroughbred Awards.
2023 TAB Thoroughbred Awards Finalists
Queensland Horse of the Year
- Kovalica
- Skirt The Law
- Uncommon James
George Moore Queensland Jockey of the Year
- Ryan Maloney
- James Orman
- Ben Thompson
- Ryan Wiggins
Ken Russell Queensland Apprentice of the Year
- Angela Jones
- Emily Lang
- Jaden Lloyd
- Bailey Wheeler
Jim Atkins Queensland Trainer of the Year
- Tony Gollan
- Rob Heathcote
- Chris Munce
- Steven O’Dea & Matthew Hoysted
- Chris Waller
2YO Horse of the Year
- Appin Girl
- Cifrado
- Mishani Royale
- Skirt The Law
3YO Horse of the Year
- Knight’s Choice
- Kovalica
- Yellow Brick
4YO and Older Horse of the Year
- Palaisipan
- Rothfire
- Uncommon James
ALSO AWARDED ON THE NIGHT:
Horses of the Year
Breeding
- Queensland Broodmare of the Year
- Queensland Stallion of the Year
- Champion First Season Stallion
- Champion 2YO Stallion
Apprentice Awards
- Queensland Student of the Year
- Country Apprentice of the Year
- Provincial Apprentice of the Year
- Metropolitan Apprentice of the Year
Premierships
- Country Premiership Jockey
- Country Premiership Trainer
- Country Premiership Horse of the Year
- Provincial Premiership Jockey
- Provincial Premiership Trainer
- Provincial Premiership Horse of the Year
- Metropolitan Premiership Jockey
- Metropolitan Premiership Trainer
Other Awards
- Darby McCarthy Performance of the Year
- Queensland Acknowledged Retrainer of the Year