Buffering’s five-year reign as QLD Horse Of The Year comes to an end

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

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