Straight Shorts - Thursday May 29 - Qld racing adds $2.5b to state economy, key appointment in Victoria, Tas govt tips in $7.1m for integrity restructure, surgery for Romantic Warrior

In today's Straight Shorts, the economic data is in for Queensland racing, Victoria announces a new integrity chief, budget latest from Tasmania, operation for Romantic Warrior and jockey Blake Shinn is sidelined indefinitely.

Racing’s $2.5 billion boost to Queensland economy

The racing industry in Queensland contributes up to $2.5 billion per annum to the state’s economy, independent economic data has revealed.

IER – a specialist in the tourism, events and entertainment industries – has compiled a report which confirms that racing in the state has grown its contribution by $50 million year on year.

Of that $2.5 billion headline figure, thoroughbred racing delivers $1.9 billion, greyhound racing $331 million and harness racing $233 million.

The industry sustains 14,472 full-time roles in Queensland, 48 per cent as a result of direct industry activity. The overall number is 52 per cent higher than it was in 2016.

“Racing Queensland’s latest Size and Scope Report once again highlights the sheer size and strength of the Queensland racing industry,” Racing Minister Tim Mander said.

“The racing industry continues to be a vital contributor to Queensland, headlined by its near $2.5 billion annual contribution to the state’s economy, whilst continuing to support close to 14,500 full-time jobs. “

“The Crisafulli Government is steadfast in its support for the racing industry, which hosts close to 32 meetings a week and supporting almost 50,000 participants from Birdsville to Cooktown and everywhere in between.”

Mander is heading up a full review of the industry.

“The focus of this review is ensuring a vibrant, sustainable future for the sector. I am looking forward to receiving the Review and its recommendations later this year,” he said.

RQ Chair Steve Wilson said while there had been challenges, the overall impact of the image was significant.

“Racing runs through the veins of so many Queenslanders, and the sheer size and scale of our industry remains remarkable,” Wilson said.

“It’s a significant achievement that, despite the ongoing challenges, the industry has maintained a continued rise in value-added contribution, with more than half directly benefiting regional economies.”

Read the full report

Minister appoints Victorian Racing Integrity Commissioner

Experienced legal and racing industry executive Terrie Benfield will be the next Victorian Racing Integrity Commissioner.

Minister for Racing Anthony Carbines has confirmed Benfield’s appointment will be for a five-year term.

Benfield is currently the executive general manager corporate (general counsel) at Greyhound Racing Victoria and has been a key figure in the Victorian racing industry for nearly a decade.

She brings significant experience in legal and regulatory frameworks, having held several executive positions in the public service – including working with the Department of Education and Training and the Victorian Government Solicitors Office.

Benfield replaces Elissa Watson who has been acting in the role since December last year following Sean Carroll’s resignation.

The independent Office of the Racing Integrity Commissioner monitors integrity issues across thoroughbred, harness and greyhound racing in Victoria.

Coolmore confirms Calyx death

Coventry Stakes winner and shuttle sire Calyx has been euthanised after suffering an acute foot injury. 

The first winner sired by the illustrious Kingman, he won the Group 2 Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot for trainer John Gosden. 

His breeding career included two seasons at Coolmore Australia, from where he produced 23 winners, including current three-year-old stakes winners Sepals and Likeakalix.

“It is very unfortunate to lose such a promising young sire,” said Cathal Murphy of Castlehyde. 

“He was very strongly supported by breeders last year and looked to have an extremely bright future ahead of him.”

$7.1 million annual budget for Tassie integrity structure   

The Tasmanian state budget has revealed that the government will provide over $7.1 million in the 2025/26 year to support the new racing integrity structure, introduced earlier this year.

A raft of integrity issues led to major reviews of Tasmania’s embattled integrity structure, with a new legislative framework brought into law last year. 

Experienced integrity experts Sean Carroll heads the new-look structure under the title of Racing Integrity Commissioner.

The overall cost to the Tasmanian taxpayer of this approach was $6.94 million this financial year and will be $7.15 million in 2025/26, with that number dropping back to $5.9 million in 2026/27.

Budget documents also reveal that the contribution of the government’s funding deed to operate racing in the state, which stems from the sale of the Tasmanian tote in 2009, will be $37.3 million in 2025/26, less than $100,000 more than this year.

It will rise to $39.6 million by the time the funding deed agreement ends in 2028/29.

Meanwhile, the Tasmanian budget has met expectations on Point Of Consumption Tax returns, with $15.2 million expected to be returned in 2024/25, exactly what had been predicted. Forward estimates indicate next year it will rise to $15.4 million.

The government passes through 80 per cent of revenue generated by Point Of Consumption Tax to the racing industry. The current POCT rate is set at 15 per cent. 

Surgery for Hong Kong superstar Romantic Warrior

Hong Kong champion Romantic Warrior has undergone surgery to have a screw inserted into his injured left front leg.

The operation was declared a success and the 10-time Group 1 winner is recuperating at trainer Danny Shum’s stables.

Romantic Warrior was diagnosed with a left fore fetlock injury that forced Hong Kong Jockey Club officials to cancel a special ceremony to acknowledge the horse's achievements in a Middle East campaign.

“Management options were discussed by the club’s expert veterinarians and Romantic Warrior’s owner and trainer, and a decision was made for the horse to undergo a veterinary procedure at the club’s equine hospital in which a single screw was inserted under standing sedation and local anaesthesia,” the HKJC said in a statement.

“The procedure was performed without complication.

“(Wednesday’s) procedure followed a computerised tomography examination and a magnetic resonance imaging examination of his forelimbs performed on May 16 as part of a proactive health-screening process in accordance with the club’s systematic procedures for ensuring the welfare of our racehorses. 

“No lameness or other clinical signs were present prior to the screening examinations.

“Romantic Warrior returned to his stable where he will be closely monitored by club veterinarians and stable personnel, supported by the world-class rehabilitation services that the club has developed.”

Shinn in possible season-ending foot injury

Leading jockey Blake Shinn concedes he could be sidelined for the rest of the racing season because of injury.

Scans have confirmed Shinn sustained heavy bone bruising in his left foot in an incident during a set of Cranbourne jumpouts on Monday.

The injury came 48 hours after Shinn rode Antino to a brilliant victory in the Doomben Cup.

But his plans to return to Queensland this week in search of more Group 1 success have been thwarted by the injury diagnosis. 

"Unfortunately, the rehabilitation process is proving longer than I had initially hoped," Shinn said.

"I've worked tirelessly over the past few days to receive the necessary treatment and explore all recovery options.

"However, I have to face the reality that this injury will rule me out for the remainder of the Queensland winter carnival.

"At this stage, it is too early to determine an exact return date. I will reassess the injury with doctors in three weeks and from there, make plans for my return to riding.

"While it's incredibly disappointing to end the season this way, my health and physical wellbeing must take priority.”

With 150 victories across Australia this season, Shinn has a 17-1/2 win lead over Perth jockey William Pike in the national premiership.

He also leads the Melbourne premiership with 67 winners - 12 clear of Craig Williams.

Unchanged fee for Newhaven Park stallion Cool Aza Beel

Newhaven Park’s freshman stallion Cool Aza Beel, the sire of dual stakes winner Cool Archie, will stand for an unchanged fee in the 2025 breeding season.

The son of Savabeel will again be offered at $16,500 (incl GST).

Cool Archie is one of four winners for Cool Aza Beel and he underlined his promise with a victory in the Group 2 Champagne Stakes at Doomben on May 10.

That followed his success in the Listed Dalrello Stakes.

Newhaven principal John Kelly said leaving Cool Aza Beel at the same fee provided breeders with a realistic chance to make a viable return in a fickle market below the top end.

“Breeders are finding it difficult at the moment, especially at the middle and lower end of the market, but when a horse like Cool Aza Beel is going well, it gives everyone hope,” Kelly said.

“We’ve been very encouraged with Cool Aza Beel’s results. But, that said, we’re going to remain conservative with his fee this year. We want broodmare owners to have an opportunity to do well with us, so he’ll be staying at the same price.” 

Despite the demand for the progeny of fellow Newhaven Park stallion Xtravagant remaining strong during the yearling sale season, Kelly confirmed that the proven sire will stand at a fee of $11,000 (inc. GST), down from $16,500 (incl GST) in 2024.

Newhaven’s dual Group 1-winning son of Savabeel, Mo’Unga is heading towards his second season at stud and will stand at a fee of $25,000 (inc. GST).

Highview Stud announces 2025 stallion fees

Highview Stud resident Wrote has figured in a service fee increase for the 2025 New Zealand breeding season.

After standing at $8000 (plus GST) in 2024, Wrote will be offered at $12,000 (plus GST) on the back of some tremendous recent results, including last Saturday’s Group 3 Magic Millions Mile winner, Pulchritudinous.

Wrote is also the sire of Wrote To Arataki, winner of the Group 3 Frances Tressady Stakes at Flemington in February.

“He (Wrote) is a massive upgrader of his mares and who knows where he will end up with the far better-quality mares that he covered in 2024 and what he is likely to cover in 2025,” Highview’s Brent Gillovic said.

“Wrote also had seven individual winners from 10 runners in Hong Kong, and the appetite for his progeny is increasing all the time.”

Highview’s three other stallions will stand at unchanged fees with Divine Prophet at $9000 (plus GST), Santos at $8000 (plus GST) and second season sire Mr Mozart at $6000 (plus GST).

Sixth winner for King’s Legacy

Coolmore’s King’s Legacy marked his sixth winner with the victory of the Trilogy-owned Bella Pietra at Pakenham.

Bella Pietra, who was passed in when offered for sale by Blue Gum Farm at the Inglis Premier Yearling Sale, was a dominant three-length winner of a 1400-metre maiden at her third start in a race.