Racing Queensland has restructured its apprentice claim categories in a move designed to help young riders prolong their careers.

RQ has re-categorised the claim system for a number of ‘provincial' race meetings to ‘country' race meetings.

The Gatton meeting on Thursday was the first to be conducted under the new local rule.

Under the previous system, RQ recognised all regional and remote TAB meetings as ‘provincial' for apprentice claims.

It meant provincial wins effectively negated the opportunity for apprentices to maximise their country claims, hindering their riding development.

As of July 1, provincial race meetings – for claims purposes – will be limited to all meetings at Rockhampton and Townsville; Gold Coast (except Magic Millions meeting and Prime Minister's Cup meeting), Ipswich – except Ipswich Cup meeting, Sunshine Coast (except Caloundra City Cup meeting), Toowoomba ( except Toowoomba Cup), Mackay Cup meeting; and Cairns Cup meeting.

All other meetings will be classified as metropolitan or country.

Baylee Nothdurft leads the metropolitan apprentices title while Adin Thompson is the state's front runner.

RQ general manager – thoroughbreds, Simon Stout, said the re-structure had been approved in order to maximise the claims process and to enhance apprentice development.

“A review of our claims process identified that we were not providing apprentices with the same opportunities as some of their counterparts across Australia,” Mr Stout said.

“We're grateful for the support of the Queensland Jockeys' Association, the Australian Trainers' Association, the Queensland Trainers' Association and the Country Racing Panel with this amendment.

“The re-classification will create more meetings for apprentices to utilise their country claim and ensure improved progression across all levels of racing in Queensland.”

Apprentice Claims:

• Metropolitan: 3kg until 20 wins, 2kg until 50 wins, and 1.5kg until 80 wins excluding Provincial and Country.

• Provincial: 3kg until 20 wins, 2kg until 50 wins, 1.5kg until 80 wins including Metropolitan and excluding Country wins.

• Country: 4kg until 5 wins, 3kg claim until 20 wins, 2kg until 50 wins, 1.5kg until 80 wins all inclusive.