Queensland's new chief racing steward will not be known until at least the middle of next month.

Racing Queensland (RQ) has extended the deadline for applications until the end of January to find a successor to Wade Birch.

Current chief Birch has a new post as general manager of stewards and integrity operations.

Birch will oversee stewards and integrity departments in all three codes - thoroughbred, harness racing and greyhounds.

Applications for the chief thoroughbred steward were to close last week but RQ elected for the extension.

Racing Queensland boss Darren Condon said a high standard of steward had applied for the job.

"However, we felt that because we advertised during the holidays it would be better to extend the application period until the end of the month," he said.

Condon said interviews would be conducted at the end of the month and a decision made as soon as possible.

Current deputy chief steward Daniel Aurisch and vastly experienced current RQ stipe Martin Knibbs are among the favourites for the job.