Queensland’s racing industry is gearing up for one of its most hotly contested nights of recognition as the finalists for the 2025 Queensland Thoroughbred Awards have officially been announced. With the ceremony scheduled for Sunday, October 12, at The Star Brisbane, the stage is set for an evening that will celebrate the state’s best horses, trainers, jockeys, and behind-the-scenes contributors.
The highlight of the night will be the battle for Queensland Horse of the Year, and this year’s lineup is regarded as one of the strongest in recent memory. The reigning champion Antino is back to defend his crown, but he faces fierce competition from Knight’s Choice, the fairytale Melbourne Cup winner, and Cool Archie, the brilliant colt who stunned rivals with his Group 1 triumph in the JJ Atkins.
Horse of the Year Race Heats Up
The race for the state’s most prestigious individual award promises to be one of the tightest in years. All three contenders boast Group 1 victories in the past season, cementing their place among Australia’s finest gallopers.
Antino, who is already a multiple Group 1 winner, holds the distinction of having delivered one of the standout performances of the season with his devastating display in the Doomben Cup. Meanwhile, Knight’s Choice captured hearts nationwide by etching his name into the history books as the first Queensland-trained horse to win the Melbourne Cup. Adding to the intrigue, Cool Archie’s remarkable two-year-old campaign, capped by his JJ Atkins success, makes him a serious threat to the older stars.
Rising Stars in Age Categories
Beyond the Horse of the Year, the Awards will recognise excellence across age categories. In the 2YO Horse of the Year division, Cool Archie once again headlines the nominations, joined by fellow youngsters Grafterburners and Sunrays.
The 3YO Horse of the Year category promises another fascinating contest, with Philia, Spicy Martini, and Give Me Space emerging as standout names after impressive campaigns. For the 4YO and Older Horse of the Year, Antino and Knight’s Choice return as strong nominees, joined by Zarastro, who came agonisingly close to Group 1 glory when narrowly beaten in the Kingsford Smith Cup.
Beyond the Track: Recognition Across the Industry
In total, nearly 30 awards will be handed out during the gala, covering not just horses but also the people who make Queensland racing thrive. Categories such as Trainer of the Year, Jockey of the Year, and Apprentice of the Year will be keenly watched.
There will also be a spotlight on those whose work often goes unnoticed. Awards such as Stable Person of the Year and Acknowledged Retrainer of the Year highlight the dedication of those working behind the scenes, ensuring both the success and welfare of Queensland’s equine athletes. Additionally, the night will feature the induction of four new members into the Queensland Hall of Fame, further honouring the sport’s rich history.
Strongest Lineup in Years
Acting Racing Queensland CEO Lachlan Murray praised the calibre of the finalists, noting the exceptional achievements of the past year.
“The star power on show in Queensland has well and truly come to the fore over the last 12 months,” Mr Murray said.
“Knight’s Choice re-wrote the record books by becoming the first Queensland-trained horse to take out the race that stops a nation, whilst Antino’s demolition in the Doomben Cup still sits comfortably within the Longines World’s Best Racehorse rankings.
“Cool Archie’s two-year-old season stacked up against the best the nation had to offer last season, with his five-race winning streak culminating in Group 1 glory in the JJ Atkins.
“It’s also important that we acknowledge our off-the-track success, and we are pleased to again recognise the Stable Person of the Year for the dedication of those behind the scenes at the coalface of the sport.
“Similarly, the vital support the Queensland Off-The-Track Program provides our animals post-racing will be celebrated through the Queensland Acknowledged Retrainer of the Year Award.”
Trainers and Jockeys in the Spotlight
No Queensland Thoroughbred Awards night would be complete without recognising the state’s trainers and jockeys. Leading the Trainer of the Year nominations is Tony Gollan, who is aiming to secure an extraordinary 12th consecutive title after racking up 134 metropolitan victories in yet another remarkable season. Gollan’s consistency has made him a dominant figure in Queensland racing, but challengers Chris and Corey Munce and the training partnership of Sheila Laxon and John Symons also delivered standout seasons, including Group 1 triumphs.
On the jockeys’ front, the George Moore Queensland Jockey of the Year race is expected to be fiercely competitive. Trailblazer Angela Jones, who made history throughout the year, will go head-to-head with Melbourne Cup-winning rider Robbie Dolan and rising star Emily Lang.
Lang’s name will also feature in the Queensland Apprentice of the Year category, having finished second in the Metropolitan Jockeys’ Premiership. She will vie for honours against Cody Collis and Bailey Wheeler, two young riders who continue to build promising careers in the saddle.
Anticipation Builds for October 12
The Queensland Thoroughbred Awards are not only a chance to celebrate racing excellence but also to highlight the broader contribution of the industry to the state. With nearly 30 categories set to be decided, the evening is shaping up as a showcase of talent, dedication, and achievement at every level of racing.
As the countdown continues to October 12, the racing community and fans alike will be eagerly waiting to see whether Antino, Knight’s Choice, or Cool Archie takes home the ultimate prize. With such strong contenders across all categories, the 2025 Queensland Thoroughbred Awards is certain to be remembered as one of the most competitive and star-studded editions in recent years.