What’s happening?
Queensland’s racing industry continues to grow, contributing nearly $2.5 billion per year to the state economy — a $50 million increase from FY23 to FY24. The Darling Downs–Maranoa region plays a pivotal role, generating $182.9 million in economic impact and sustaining 1,173 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs, according to Racing Queensland’s 2023/24 Size and Scope Report.
Minister for Racing Tim Mander said the report reaffirms the importance of racing in Queensland. “The racing industry continues to be a vital contributor to Queensland, headlined by its near $2.5 billion annual contribution, while supporting close to 14,500 full-time jobs,” he said.
Why it matters
The Darling Downs–Maranoa has long been Queensland’s racing heartland—dominating both breeding and training—and this year’s report confirms its leadership. “Racing runs through the veins of so many Queenslanders, and the sheer size and scale of our industry remains remarkable,” said Racing Queensland Chair Steve Wilson AM.
“It’s a significant achievement that, despite ongoing challenges, the industry has maintained a continued rise in value added contribution, with more than half directly benefiting regional economies”.
“A strong racing industry is a precursor for a strong breeding sector, and nowhere is that more evident than on the Darling Downs,” the report notes.
Local Impact
Across the Darling Downs–Maranoa, racing sustains:
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1,173 FTE jobs.
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5,982 total industry roles including breeders, trainers, owners, and volunteers.
The region also hosts 81,081 race attendances, representing 10% of Queensland’s total racing attendance, across its 27 racing clubs—26 thoroughbred and 1 harness. “We are currently undertaking the most significant Racing Review in decades… I am looking forward to receiving the Review and its recommendations later this year,” said Minister Mander.
Community engagement is strong:
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680 racing club volunteers.
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637 volunteers assisting breeders and trainers.
From Toowoomba Turf Club to smaller community tracks such as Clifton and Surat, race meetings are a vital part of local life and the social calendar.
By the numbers
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$61.3 million in breeding-related expenditure — 51.8% of Queensland’s total.
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795 thoroughbred foals produced in 2023–24 — Queensland’s leading region.
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47.9 million dollars spent on thoroughbred training activity.
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258 trainers, 474 stable staff, 361 training volunteers.
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176 breeders and 151 breeding staff.
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29 thoroughbred stallions based in the region, including Spirit of Boom and Better Than Ready.
Zoom In
Breeding:
The Downs–Maranoa is Queensland’s top breeding region:
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1,367 broodmares covered in 2024.
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795 foals produced.
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Home to leading studs: Eureka Stud, Lyndhurst Stud, Clear Mountain Fairview, and many smaller operators.
Training:
The region is a major training hub:
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1,586 thoroughbred horses in training, the third highest in Queensland
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Supported by 361 training volunteers, the largest group statewide
Employment:
The local industry supports:
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258 trainers.
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474 stable employees.
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176 registered breeders employing 151 staff.
Community: “Our regional racing clubs don’t just run races—they drive community connection and economic vitality,” Racing Queensland states.
Zoom Out
Statewide, Queensland’s racing industry has achieved:
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104% growth in value added since FY16.
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52% growth in full-time employment, rising from 9,546 to 14,472 FTEs
Queensland hosts around 32 race meetings weekly, with almost 50,000 participants involved across all three code. Importantly, 73% of all race meeting attendances occur in regional Queensland. The Darling Downs–Maranoa region alone contributes 7.4% of the state’s total racing economic impact—ranking just behind Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
What to look for next?
The Darling Downs–Maranoa racing community will remain central to Queensland’s racing future. As Racing Queensland’s Cheer A Volunteer Awards continue to celebrate regional racing heroes, attention will stay on the region’s outstanding breeding, training, and volunteer strength.
Minister Mander summed it up: “The Crisafulli Government is steadfast in its support for the racing industry, which supports communities from Birdsville to Cooktown and everywhere in between”
