New QTIS race for the Gold Coast

Racing Queensland will introduce a $250,000 race for two-year-olds sold at the Magic Millions March Yearling sale.

To be named the Jewel on The Gold Coast the race will be exclusive to horses registered with the QTIS bonus scheme.

It will be run on the stand-alone Gold Coast Goldmarket day meeting in March, 2018.

The 2017 Magic Millions sale on March 20 and 21 will feature 400 lots eligible for the Jewel of The Coast.

Queensland Thoroughbred Breeders Association President, Basil Nolan said QTIS was already the best state-based incentive scheme in Australia.

RQ Chief Executive Elliott Forbes said it was a boost for the industry and the race would be chased by people throughout the state.

Gold Coast trainer Bryan Guy rued that the race would come a year too late for two-year-old Junction.

Although sold through the Inglis Sales in Sydney, Junction is a QTIS registered horse.

“He ran a handy fifth in the recent Inglis Classic after getting left sharing the lead which didn’t suit him.” Guy said.

“A race like the $250,000 one would have been ideal for him but it is a year away and he has now gone for a spell.”