QUEENSLAND Off the Track, will be introduced to the Show this year.
It is a competition showcasing the unique abilities of Standardbred and Thoroughbred ex-racehorses.
All of the entries for this competition must be registered for thoroughbred racing or harness racing in Australia, this can include horses that started in an official barrier trial, or that were bred for racing, but ultimately did not race.
Show Society member, Mary Harm said it was the first time Rosewood has held the Queensland Off the Track competition, and that she is excited to welcome this competition to the show.
“This is a competition that spectators cannot miss, there will be many categories for these breeds to shine in, and it is something different and very positive for our show,” she said.
“We will be presenting Champion and Reserve Champion sashes in many different sections, some of these sections include, best dressed strapper, best male and female exhibit, best led in training and led off the track.”
Mary said the competition has drawn “big numbers of entries”.
“We’ve had a very positive response and I am really looking forward to seeing every horse and entrant, do their best.”
The Queensland Off the Track program was established to support a high quality ‘first transition’ for standardbred and thoroughbred horses, that were bred for the racing industry and domiciled in Queensland at the time of their retirement from racing or breeding activities.
“By bringing this competition to the Rosewood show, the society is creating awareness to the positive outcomes to life after the track for these breeds,” Mary said.
“This program supports the placement of retired racehorses into second careers and education for these horses is important, this is what the program does, so we invite everyone to come along and see how amazing the entire competition will be.”
Racing Queensland has sponsored the Off the Track competition.
