EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 

Racing Queensland has an unprecedented opportunity to lead Australia in racehorse welfare while generating substantial revenue at zero cost.

This proposal presents a 12-month pilot program for an OTT Training Passport that provides lifetime support for off-track horses. The pilot demonstrates proof-of-concept for Racing Australia's national adoption, positioning Queensland as the pioneering state while earning $1.29-1.36 million in profit with no capital investment required.

The Value Proposition for Racing Queensland

ZERO RISK, SUBSTANTIAL RETURN:

• You invest NOTHING—no capital, no staff, no development costs
• You collect $3.69-$3.88M in passport fees during 12-month pilot
• You pay Dr Fenner 65% of revenue, keep 35% as profit ($1.29-1.36M)
• You position Queensland as Australia's welfare innovation leader
• Platform and content already built—ready to launch early 2026
• After pilot success, we approach Racing Australia for national adoption
• Queensland maintains a leadership role in the national program

THE RACING INDUSTRY'S WELFARE CRISIS

Racing faces mounting public criticism and social license threats:

• 13,300-15,550 foals registered annually by Racing Australia (TB + SB)
• 34% NEVER RACE—3,500-4,000 horses/year bred by racing, abandoned by racing
• These horses receive little or no support despite being registered as industry horses
• Horses that do race typically race 2-3 years, then live 20-30 years
• Current programs reach only 20-30% of horses, and last just 6-12 months
• Horses change hands 3-4 times post-racing with no continuity of support

Public criticism: "Racing breeds too many horses, then abandons the unprofitable ones."

This criticism is difficult to defend. The ABC exposés, RSPCA statements, and community pressure threaten the industry's viability.

Racing needs a comprehensive solution. Queensland can lead it.

THE SOLUTION: OTT TRAINING PASSPORT

A digital training passport providing lifetime support for every horse racing name:

How It Works

• Attaches at FOAL REGISTRATION (Australian Stud Book) - covers horses that never race AND those that do
• Linked to the horse's microchip number—belongs to the horse, not the owner
• Transfers automatically through unlimited ownership changes over a 20-30 year lifespan
• Provides lifetime access to training modules, weekly expert sessions, and a supportive community
• Evidence-based methodology (developed using the International Society for Equitation Science training principles)
• Self-funding through a one-time fee at foal registration

"If you're in our studbook, racing supports you - for life"

What Horse Owners Receive (Lifetime)

• Comprehensive video training modules: foundations through advanced disciplines
• Weekly live Q&A sessions with Dr Kate Fenner and certified regional trainers
• Video analysis and personalised feedback on the owner's horses
• Supportive community of OTT horse owners
• Breed-specific content (Thoroughbred and Standardbred)
• Crisis support when welfare concerns arise
• Access continues automatically when the horse is sold or rehomed - forever

WHY RACING QUEENSLAND PILOTS FIRST

This pilot is strategically designed to prove the concept for national adoption by Racing Australia. Here's why Queensland should lead:

ZERO FINANCIAL RISK: You invest nothing. You collect fees, pay Dr Fenner from revenue, and keep a substantial profit.

IMMEDIATE REVENUE: $3.69-$3.88M collected during 12 months. You keep $1.29-1.36M as pure profit.

NATIONAL LEADERSHIP POSITIONING: Queensland becomes "the state that solved racing's welfare crisis." National and international recognition.

FASTER DECISION-MAKING: State-level approval faster than the Racing Australia national process. Queensland moves first.

PLATFORM READY TO GO: No development phase needed. Platform and content already exist. Can launch early 2026.

PROOF FOR RACING AUSTRALIA: Pilot generates compelling data for national adoption. Queensland's success becomes Racing Australia's blueprint.

QUEENSLAND RETAINS LEADERSHIP: When the program goes national, Queensland remains the centre of expertise and innovation. 

12-MONTH PILOT STRUCTURE

The pilot runs for 12 months from early 2026, with two enrollment streams that together prove both market demand and long-term sustainability:

ENROLLMENT STREAM 1: National Amnesty (Immediate Proof)

WHO: Any retired Thoroughbred or Standardbred in Australia, regardless of where bred/raced

WHY NATIONAL: Post-racing horses move states frequently - impossible to track origin. Dr Fenner has national OTT contacts and can help drive substantial enrollment.

FEE: $197 one-time enrollment during 12-month pilot

EXPECTED ENROLLMENT: 1,000-2,000 horses

REVENUE: $197,000-$394,000

PURPOSE: These horses USE the system immediately. They generate testimonials, success stories, and welfare outcome data. They prove the concept works.

MARKETING BENEFIT: "Racing Queensland: Supporting All Australian OTT Horses" - national leadership positioning from day one.

ENROLLMENT STREAM 2: Compulsory Queensland (Revenue Proof)

WHO: All foals registered in Queensland from the pilot launch date

FEE: $997 attached to foal registration (compulsory)

EXPECTED ENROLLMENT: ~3,500 horses during 12-month pilot

REVENUE: $3,489,500

PURPOSE: Demonstrates compulsory model works. Builds immediate revenue. Shows financial sustainability. These horses will not retire for 3-6 years, but their enrollment proves a long-term funding model.

12-MONTH PILOT FINANCIAL MODEL

REVENUE

• Amnesty enrollment (national) $197,000-$394,000
• Compulsory enrollment (Queensland) $3,489,500
• TOTAL REVENUE $3,686,500-$3,883,500

DISTRIBUTION

• Fenner (65%) $2,396,225-$2,524,275
• Racing Queensland (35%) $1,290,275-$1,359,225

What Dr Fenner Delivers for 65%:

• Platform access (already developed and operational)
• 50+ training modules (existing content customised for Queensland)
• 52 weekly live sessions (Q&A, video analysis, expert guidance)
• Community management (forums, moderation, support)
• Regional leader recruitment and training (4-6 Queensland-based trainers/instructors)
• Crisis support protocols and welfare intervention when needed
• Comprehensive data collection and analysis
• Final evaluation report with recommendations for Racing Australia

What Racing Queensland Gets for 35%:

• $1,290,275-$1,359,225 pure profit (no capital investment, no development costs)
• National welfare leadership positioning
• Comprehensive welfare data on pilot participants
• Proof-of-concept for Racing Australia adoption
• Marketing and PR value: "Queensland leads Australia in horse welfare"
• Ongoing system if national adoption proceeds (Queensland remains the leadership state)

IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE 

PATHWAY TO RACING AUSTRALIA NATIONAL ADOPTION

This pilot is explicitly designed as proof-of-concept for Racing Australia. After 12 months with compelling data:

The Racing Australia Pitch (Month 10-11):

Dr Fenner and Racing Queensland present together to Racing Australia:

"Racing Queensland piloted the OTT Training Passport for 12 months with 1,500-2,000 horses. Here's what we learned:

• Welfare outcomes improved measurably
• Owners highly satisfied (testimonials and data)
• Compulsory enrollment at foal registration works smoothly
• The system is self-funding with a substantial surplus
• Queensland is ready to continue; we're offering Racing Australia national adoption

The Queensland pilot proves this works. Are you ready to lead Australia?"

If Racing Australia Adopts Nationally:

The program scales to all Australian states, with Queensland as the founding and leadership state:

• Approximately 15,500 Thoroughbred and Standardbred foals are registered nationally per year
• Annual revenue at $997 per horse: $15.5 million
• 5-year build-to-transfer plan (as per full Racing Australia proposal)
• Fenner compensated for the national scale (5-year agreement)
• Racing Australia owns all IP after Year 5
• Queensland maintains a leadership role as the state that proved the concept
• 15-20 regional leaders certified nationally (including original Queensland leaders)

The Queensland pilot becomes the foundation. Queensland's 12-month investment becomes the launch point for national transformation.

SUCCESS METRICS FOR PILOT EVALUATION

The 12-month pilot collects comprehensive data for the Racing Australia presentation:

The final evaluation report provides Racing Australia with a robust, evidence-based case for national adoption.

WHY THIS WORKS FOR EVERYONE

For Racing Queensland:

• Zero financial risk - you invest nothing
• Substantial profit - $1.29-1.36M for doing virtually nothing
• National leadership positioning that enhances Queensland racing's reputation
• Valuable welfare data and insights
• Option to continue if Racing Australia doesn't adopt (unlikely)
• If Racing Australia adopts, you remain the leadership state

For Dr Kate Fenner:

• Fair compensation for 12-month pilot ($2.40-2.52M)
• Platform to demonstrate methodology at scale
• Data and testimonials to support the Racing Australia pitch
• IP ownership protected during pilot (only transfers after Racing Australia deal)
• Pathway to substantial national compensation (5-year Racing Australia agreement)
• Legacy project: evidence-based welfare becomes Australian racing standard

For Racing Australia:

• De-risked proposal - Queensland pilot proves it works
• Compelling data from real-world implementation
• Pathway to address the social license crisis with a proven solution
• Self-funding model with substantial surplus
• Opportunity to lead globally in racehorse welfare
• The system is ready to scale nationally

For OTT Horses and Their Owners:

• Lifetime support that follows horses through ownership changes
• Evidence-based training guidance from leading experts
• Supportive community of fellow OTT owners
• Crisis support when needed
• Improved welfare outcomes and quality of life
• Genuine whole-of-life care from the industry that produced them

ABOUT DR. KATE FENNER

Dr Kate Fenner brings exceptional qualifications and a proven platform ready for immediate launch:

• Honorary President, International Society for Equitation Science (ISES): Global leadership in evidence-based horse training and welfare; International scientific credibility
• Board Member, Pony Club Australia: Youth equestrian education, welfare, and safety expertise
• PhD (Horse Behaviour & Training), University of Sydney: Academic rigour in learning theory and training methodology
• 27+ years specialising in OTT Thoroughbred and Standardbred retraining: Deep expertise in racehorse-specific challenges and solutions
• Published researcher on racehorse welfare and retraining outcomes: Evidence-based approach backed by peer-reviewed research
• Founder, Kandoo Equine: 1,000+ active members on existing platform; Proven online training delivery model; Platform operational and ready to scale; Content library already developed 
• John & Josh Lyons Certified Trainer: Professional training credentials

CRITICAL ADVANTAGE: Platform and content already exist. No development phase needed. Can launch early 2026.

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

Kandoo GOLD members who have retrained off-track horses using Dr Fenner's evidence-based methodology: 

Professional Trainer, Standardbred Specialist:

"I used this method on a 4-year-old OTT Standardbred gelding. I like the methods because they teach the horse a new way of being and allow them to learn how to move their body without the burden of a rider. With long-reining, the trainer can observe the horse's frame and make gentle, consistent corrections. This training method makes the transition straightforward with clear communication without any surprises."

OTT Mare Owner, Thoroughbred:

"Standing still for mounting (Kandoo's 'Hips to the Fence' lesson) was a game-changer right from the beginning. My OTT mare was used to being mounted 'on the move' - as a result, she learned to stand calmly, making mounting much safer. The Kandoo method of long reining and short reining helped her learn to bend laterally through her body before having a novice rider on board. This was also a great way to assess whether the horse was ready to ride or needed more groundwork."

Adopter of 8-Year-Old OTT Gelding:

"My horse, Beau, had osteoarthritis joints and some behaviours such as trying to bite humans and a fearful disposition. The groundwork on giving to the bit and shoulder control has been a blessing for him. He is now safe to be around. Due to the research-driven wisdom and the program, I can keep Beau. I let all my horse friends know of her program."

5-Year Kandoo GOLD Member:

"Kate is always so approachable, and her sensible approach makes her relatable to everyone - you never feel awkward asking a question. Kate's step-by-step guide is easy to follow and makes perfect sense, which gives clarity. This is such a benefit to educating OTT horses who have experienced such a different and sometimes frenetic training regime. The benefits of measuring their emotional level to help educate are imperative - I have found that some of my OTTs just zone out and become robotic. Increasing their emotional level and then giving them the chance to self-regulate and learn has been a game-changer for my horses and me. It never dates, and it's comforting to know I can always reach out if I hit a stumbling block."

RECOMMENDATION AND NEXT STEPS

Racing Queensland has an extraordinary opportunity with zero downside:

INVEST NOTHING. EARN $1.29-1.36 MILLION. LEAD AUSTRALIA.

This pilot:

• Tests at no cost to Racing Queensland
• Generates substantial profit immediately
• Positions Queensland as a national welfare innovator
• Proves concept for Racing Australia adoption
• Creates a pathway to a national program where Queensland remains the leadership state

The racing industry faces a social license crisis. Public criticism intensifies. Regulatory pressure mounts.

Queensland can lead the solution - and profit from doing so, making money available for other, more hands-on programs already in existence.

Proposed Next Steps:

1. Racing Queensland reviews this executive summary
2. Schedule a meeting with Dr Kate Fenner (15-20 minutes)
3. Review the full proposal and partnership agreement terms
4. Internal approval for 12-month pilot (emphasise zero capital investment)
5. Finalise partnership agreement (revenue split, IP ownership, Racing Australia pathway)
6. Launch early 2026 (April)
7. Month 10-11: Approach Racing Australia together with pilot data
8. Month 12: Complete pilot evaluation and determine next phase

This is Racing Queensland's opportunity to lead Australia in racehorse welfare while generating substantial revenue. The platform is ready. The methodology is proven. The timing is perfect.

The Welfare Mismatch: Where the Money Goes vs Where Horses are Left Behind

The racing industry is investing millions into animal welfare, yet a significant "welfare cliff" remains. While the intentions are good, the current spending model is inefficient, short-term, and leaves the most vulnerable horses completely unsupported.

The Financial Reality: High Cost, Low Impact

In FY25, Racing Queensland’s animal welfare expenditure reached $4.525 million. However, when we look at where that money actually goes, the "mismatch" becomes clear:

• The Rehoming "Lottery": 40% of the budget (~$1.81M) is dedicated to Acknowledged Retrainers. In FY25, this pathway successfully rehomed only 119 horses.

• The $15,000 Efficiency Gap: This means the current industry model is spending approximately $15,210 per horse to rehome just a tiny fraction of the population.

• The Education Mirage: While 442 lesson packages were "approved" for owners, only 6% of the welfare budget was actually spent on redeemed lessons. This confirms that novice owners are not getting the hands-on support they were promised.

The Gaps We Must Fill

Despite a $4.5M budget, three critical areas remain a massive reputational liability for the industry:

1. The "Abandoned" 3,500: Approximately 34+% of horses registered annually never make it to the track. Because they never raced, they currently receive zero industry support.

2. The 6-Month Cliff: Most industry programs only support a horse for its first 6 to 12 months post-racing. With a lifespan of 20–30 years, the industry currently ignores the remaining 75% of the horse's life.

3. The Subsequent Owner Gap: Support is currently tied to the first owner. When an OTT horse is sold to a second or third home—often where novice owners need help most—the industry’s safety net disappears.

The Race-2-Ride Solution: Scalable, Lifetime, and Profitable

The Race-2-Ride Training Passport isn't another grant program; it is a systemic shift from reactive spending to proactive leadership.

• 100% Coverage: We support every horse registered in the industry, including "non-racers" and those in their 2nd, 3rd, or 4th homes.

• Lifetime Accountability: The Passport is linked to the horse’s microchip and transfers with every ownership change for its entire life.

• Revenue-Positive: Instead of costing the industry $15,000 per horse, our model is projected to generate $1.3M+ in profit for Racing Queensland in a single year, while providing a "Gold Standard" safety net for the entire population.

"If racing registers you, racing supports you - for life."