Why Gold Coast is in line to dominate at state racing awards

MAGIC Millions winner Houtzen and Gold Coast hoop Jeff Lloyd are in line for top honours after making the shortlist for the Queensland Thoroughbred Awards.

MAGIC Millions winner Houtzen and Gold Coast hoop Jeff Lloyd are in line for top honours after making the shortlist for the Queensland Thoroughbred Awards.

Racing Queensland yesterday released the list of contenders, including the categories of horse of the year, jockey of the year, trainer of the year and apprentice of the year.

The retirement of sprint king and five-time champion Buffering has opened the door for Toby Edmonds-trained Houtzen to tackle Helen Page’s Rudy, Capital Gain, Most Important and Yankee Rose in the horse category.

Lloyd, who broke Chris Munce’s 2012 record for most metropolitan winners in a season, faces competition from Damian Browne, Jim Byrne and Robbie Fradd to be tagged as top hoop.

Gold Coast trainer Edmonds may get a cause for double celebration following his inclusion in the trainer of the year division alongside Rob Heathcote, Tony Gollan and Ben Currie.

Josh Oliver, Matt McGillivray, Alannah Fancourt and Tiffani Brooker are in the running as best apprentice.

RQ chief executive officer Dr Eliot Forbes said after Buffering’s exit “the time has come for the next generation to announce themselves”.