- Crisafulli Government announces 14 successful applicants for the 2025 Queensland Off-The-Track Grants Program.
- $190,000 in grant funding shared across Queensland Off-The-Track Acknowledged Retrainers, not-for-profit organisations and charities.
- Retrainers provide retired racehorses with second careers as therapy horses.
The Crisafulli Government has unveiled the 14 successful applicants to benefit from its 2025 Queensland Off-The-Track (QOTT) grants program.
Almost $200,000 has been awarded to a range of not-for-profit organisations, charities and QOTT Acknowledged Retrainers that provide second careers for retired racehorses including as therapy horses.
The funding also benefits retired racehorses that have previously transitioned from the racing industry into the domestic horse community.
The successful applicants span across two grant initiatives:
- Acknowledged Retrainer Expansion Grants – 10 grants totalling $153,150
- Therapy Horse Grants – four grants totalling $36,500.
Support is also provided to QOTT's network of Acknowledged Retrainers to expand their operations or upgrade their facilities, so they can grow their capacity to retrain and rehome more retired racehorses.
Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander said the program was vital for increasing the post-racing opportunities available for retired racehorses.
"The Crisafulli Government is committed to improving the welfare outcomes for retired racehorses in Queensland," Minister Mander said.
"The QOTT Grants Program is an important step to expanding aftercare initiatives available to retired racehorses at every stage of life.
"I congratulate the recipients of this year's grants and look forward to them making a significant impact to the wellbeing of retired racehorses."
QOTT Chair Dr Christine Johnson said that it was pleasing to once again receive a number of high-quality applications.
"The QOTT Therapy Horse Grant enables us to support equine operators across Queensland who provide retired racehorses with second careers as therapy horses," Dr Johnson said.
"This initiative not only provides a meaningful post-racing pathway for these horses but also highlights the vital role equine therapy plays within our communities.
"Furthermore, supporting our Acknowledged Retrainers to increase their capacity not only strengthens Queensland's overall aftercare network, but also ensures its long-term sustainability."
