The Odyssey stamps himself as QTIS poster boy

By Jordan Gerrans

The Odyssey has quickly become the poster boy for the Queensland Thoroughbred Incentive Scheme.

Kelly Schweida’s star four-year-old has amassed 10 career wins, including three major QTIS races: the $1 million Magic Millions QTIS Open Handicap, the $300,000 QTIS Jewel 3YO and the $500,000 QTIS Jewel 2YO in three consecutive years.

Widely regarded as the best in the nation, QTIS provides bonuses for Queensland bred horses who can prevail in the Sunshine State.

At the cost of just $30,000, Schweida says he specifically targeted QTIS races with the son of Better Than Ready across his career, leading towards several healthy bonuses for his loyal ownership group.

Most of the connections of The Odyssey are Brisbane-based, including Schweida’s wife, and were able to enjoy the spoils on Saturday.

“We definitely targeted the two Jewel races,” Schweida said.

“I just wish there was a 4YO Jewel for a horse like this, but he has won both of those Jewel races, we certainly targeted those.

“All the owners were there on Saturday afternoon enjoying it.”

While The Odyssey has become the poster boy for QTIS racing in Queensland over the last few years, the Eagle Farm-based trainer pointed to a stablemate of his that also shows just how important the scheme has become for Queensland trainers.

“It is good the QTIS scheme, I had a filly win at Ipswich the other day, a QTIS filly on a Saturday, she wins $25,000,” he said.

“It is pretty important, QTIS bonuses.

“It makes it a hell of a lot easier to sell QTIS horses.”

RQ Executive General Manager Racing Adam Wallish said what The Odyssey has achieved in winning the QTIS 2YO Jewel, QTIS 3YO Jewel and the QTIS Magic Millions is remarkable and it will require a special horse to match his achievements.

“He is a home-grown horse that has thus far done all his winning here in Queensland,” Wallish said.

“He is now the poster boy for QTIS and the great benefits the scheme provides, in both its standard bonuses and rich feature races throughout the racing calendar.”

Wallish said The Odyssey was a horse that attracts punters’ attention with his racing pattern and striking looks.

Following his tough triumph at Aquis Park on Saturday, The Odyssey will have 10 days in the paddock for a quick freshen up, before heading to NSW.

“We will chase a wet track down in Sydney, hopefully some good prize money down there as well,” Schweida said.

“There is a couple there we are looking at, The Galaxy, we will see if he is up to that, I do not know if he is, but if it rains, that would bring him into it because he loves the wet.

“We will chase some black type for him, that would be good.”

The next QTIS stable star could be waiting in the wings for the Schewida yard after a busy recent week or so at the 2021 Gold Coast Yearlings Sales.

Kelly Schweida Racing purchased 13 lots with four QTIS eligible in the coming years.

“It was a long week at the sales,” he said.

“We will know in 12 months-time how good they are.

“I have had two Group 1 winners, one cost $13,000 and the other was passed in for $15,000…it can be a bit of a raffle at times.”