Racing: Poor returns see Treloar shut stables

Trainer Len Treloar has stunned the Queensland racing industry by closing his stables last week, citing finances as the prime reason.

Treloar's decision came as a shock to many because he is seventh on the Brisbane trainers' premiership.

He has trained 40 winners this season and about 200 in all since he moved to the Sunshine Coast three years ago.

He said training in Queensland was simply not financially viable for him.

"My stables are closed as of Wednesday and that is it," Treloar said. "I have been thinking about it for three to four months but the ultimate decision was made in the last 48 hours."

He said his accountants had advised him to close his stables at the end of the financial year and not drag matters out.

"The costs here for rental, staff, superannuation, raceday fees and the like are too high to be compensated by the prize money level.

"I know they have announced the industry will be getting more prize money because of the wagering deal but I don't think it will flow through for at least another 12 months."

Treloar said stable rentals were a prime example of the difficulties trainers faced in Queensland compared with some other areas.

"I rent 32 boxes at Caloundra which roughly costs me A$10,000 a month. I had 40 boxes in Singapore and that cost me A$80, yes A$80, a month.

"I am about A$120,000 behind a year before I even get started by training here. The return here just isn't up to correcting that difference."

Treloar said another problem was that many Queenslanders who could afford to race horses had them with trainers in Sydney and Melbourne.

"You can't blame them. If they have a good horse you want to get the maximum return," he said.

Treloar said he would continue to be associated with racing and would stay on the Sunshine Coast until the end of the year.

- AAP