For the first time since 2012, the Queensland Horse Of The Year title will not be awarded to the now-retired champion sprinter Buffering.
Buffering ended his career last October as one of the best horses to be trained in the sunshine state, with 20 wins and more than $7.3 million in prizemoney.
His consistent performances at the top level earned him Queensland's Horse Of The Year honours for five consecutive seasons.
This year, the baton will be passed on to one of five nominees – Houtzen, Yankee Rose, Capital Gain, Most Important, or Rudy.
"You can't help but be impressed by the quality of thoroughbreds and accomplished industry participants nominated to win 2017 UBET Queensland Thoroughbred Awards," RQ Chief Executive Officer, Dr Eliot Forbes, said.
"We've been fortunate enough to witness Buffering on the national and international scene for the past five years, but the time has come for the next generation to announce themselves as Queensland's thoroughbred stars of the future."
The Horse Of The Year will be among 31 categories when Racing Queensland hosts the Queensland Thoroughbred Awards night on Saturday September 9 at Brisbane's Gambaro Hotel. Four Queensland Racing Hall Of Fame inductees will also be announced.
The winners of each prize will be decided by a panel of media, Queensland Racing Integrity Commission Stewards and key industry stakeholders.
Tickets are limited so early bookings are essential. Click here to purchase tickets.
2017 UBET Queensland Thoroughbred Award Featured Nominees
Horse of the Year – Sponsored by UBET
Rudy
Capital Gain
Houtzen
Most Important
Yankee Rose
Jockey of the Year
Damian Browne
Jim Byrne
Robbie Fradd
Jeff Lloyd
Trainer of the Year – Sponsored by Magic Millions
Rob Heathcote
Tony Gollan
Ben Currie
Toby Edmonds
Ken Russell Apprentice of the Year
Josh Oliver
Matt McGillivray
Alannah Fancourt
Tiffani Brooker
4YO and Older Horse of the Year – sponsored by Stanley River Thoroughbreds
Most Important
Rudy
Cylinder Beach
Col 'n' Lil
Monsieur Gustave
3YO Horse of the Year – sponsored by Queensland Owners Association
Order Again
Crack Me Up
Niccanova
Dreams Aplenty
Savanna Amour
Yankee Rose
2YO Horse of the Year – Sponsored by Grandview Stud
Capital Gain
Houtzen
Ours To Keep
Pardoe
Cellargirl
Saint Patricks Day
Also awarded on the night will be:
Breeding Awards – Sponsored by Thoroughbred Breeders Queensland
Queensland Broodmare of the Year
Queensland Stallion of the Year
Champion First Season Stallion
Champion 2YO Stallion
Premierships Awards
Country Premiership Jockey
Country Premiership Trainer
Country Premiership Horse of the Year
Provincial Premiership Jockey – Sponsored by Ipswich Turf Club
Provincial Premiership Trainer – Sponsored by Fitton Insurance
Provincial Premiership Horse of the Year
Metropolitan Premiership Jockey
Metropolitan Premiership Trainer – Sponsored by Fitton Insurance
Metropolitan Premiership Horse of the Year
Stewards Award - QRIC
Horses of the Year
QTIS Horse of the Year (Prizemoney) – Sponsored by Eureka Stud
Apprentice Awards
Country Apprentice of the Year – Sponsored by Queensland Jockey Association
Provincial Apprentice of the Year – Sponsored by UBET/RadioTAB
Metropolitan Apprentice of the year
Racezone medal (Most wins in a single month) – Sponsored by Race Zone
Rookie of the Year
Hall of Fame
Horse – Sponsored by Tattersall's Racing Club
Jockey – Sponsored by Racenet
Trainer
Associate