Breeders, Owners, Trainers and Reinspersons Association QLD

BOTRA is the lead industry organization for Harness Racing in Queensland. Its President is Terry Macdermott, licensee, owner and breeder whilst its Deputy President is David Lewis licensee and owner. Terry breeds horses both in Victoria and Queensland whilst David is an experienced driver and trainer. Both have extensive business and management backgrounds.

BOTRA has a registered membership of over 500 persons and has been incorporated since 1996. It publishes Keeping Pace a bi/monthly news magazine and has its own website, has produced BOTRA merchandise and racing colours. It meets quarterly with the Queensland Harness Racing Board and on a case by case basis for urgent matters. In recent times its main functions have been to proactively work with the Board in developing race and industry policy and procedures for the betterment of the Code and to conduct its own initiatives for the benefit of its members.

BOTRA is represented on several sub committees established by the Board and provides expert industry advice to these working groups.

In terms of its own initiatives BOTRA is concerned to increase breeding numbers in Queensland. In recent times local stallion service numbers have been on the decline and these numbers are set to worsen because of the recent EI crisis. To help renew interest in breeding BOTRA will be holding Queensland’s Harness Racing Festival at Parklands 14 September 2008. The festival will feature local stallions in a stallion parade.

Cold Mountain Stud will feature their five new stallions. It is hoped that the parade and other events may attract former or new breeders into the Industry.