The $2 million QTIS Jewel Raceday has proven a windfall for the Sunshine State with no less than six QTIS-registered horses saluting at the Gold Coast on Saturday.
While Sweet Dolly and Simply Fly took out the $500,000 editions of the 2YO and 3YO Jewel respectively, Flash Aah (Australian Turf Club Trophy), Jadentom (TAB Military Rose Plate), Racecourse Road (Martin Collins Open Handicap) and Say Haya (Sky Racing Class 6 Plate) all tasted victory on the day.
Collectively, more than $1.45 million was paid out to QTIS-registered winners across the six races, with $10,000 breeders’ bonuses also being awarded for Sweet Dolly and Simply Fly.
Now in its third year, wagering on the meeting continued its positive trend, with turnover growing to $22.5m (+25.8%) despite the inclement weather and smaller field sizes.
Racing Queensland CEO Brendan Parnell said the QTIS Jewel Raceday was further evidence of why it pays to support Queensland racing.
“The $2 million QTIS Jewel Raceday has quickly established itself as one of the highlights on the Queensland racing calendar,” Mr Parnell said.
“Our investment in the day, and the QTIS scheme more broadly, speaks volumes of our desire to support all sectors of the thoroughbred code including breeders, owners and trainers.
“With double prize money on offer for QTIS-registered horses, it was fantastic to see almost $1.5 million reinvested into our industry.”
Following the Jewel, the 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast March Yearling Sale enjoyed a record-breaking campaign.
Over the two-day sale, a record $14,462,500 was grossed on 323 lots sold at an average price of $44,776.
The sale also recorded a median price of $35,000 and an impressive clearance rate of over 84%.
“It’s great to finish an outstanding two days trade for the Queensland breeders,” Magic Millions Managing Director Barry Bowditch said.
“The overwhelming support from our Queensland buyers has been sensational and we thank them for their support of the sale and wish them luck racing for the QTIS bonuses into the future.
“The confidence this instills in Queensland should help to take the industry here in the right direction and give breeders the opportunity to reinvest.”
The next action in the famous Bundall sales ring will take place from May 20 when the Gold Coast National Weanling Sale commences an eight-day selling extravaganza.
Thoroughbred Breeders Queensland Association President Basil Nolan said the Jewel had raised the bar once again this year.
“The Jewel Raceday has gone to a whole new level,” Mr Nolan said.
“To have two-year-old and three-year-old races for half a million dollars is really competitive with racing in the southern states.
“The whole confidence of Queensland (racing) has improved because of QTIS.
“The Gold Coast Turf Club has done a marvelous job in growing the Jewel Raceday and we’re going to continue to grow it to be bigger and better.”
Click here for full results from the 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast March Yearling Sale.