THOROUGHBRED HORSES 
50 pages
Published: 26 May 2025
Author(s): IER
ISBN: 978-1-76053-559-9
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DownloadThe Australian thoroughbred breeding industry contributes nearly $1.68 billion annually to the Australian economy and provides full-time employment for over 9,000 people, predominantly in rural and regional areas. Nationally, there are more than 6,000 active breeders, with over 40% indicated having increased their involvement in the sector between 2019 and 2022. Over 33,000 individuals are actively engaged in the Australian thoroughbred breeding industry as breeders, employees, or volunteers. In 2022-23, an estimated 19,454 broodmares were covered resulting in 12,585 live foals.
This research supports future industry planning, highlighting the economic benefits of the Australian thoroughbred breeding sector. It provides market research to quantify the size and scope of the Australian thoroughbred breeding industry and its direct financial contribution to the Australian economy. More than 62% of this impact occurs in New South Wales, particularly in the Hunter Valley region, which generates over $750 million in economic contribution alone. Victoria accounts for more than 20% of this impact, with the Goulburn and North East regions generating most of the economic contribution for the state.
The thoroughbred breeding industry in Australia is estimated to generate $93.3 million in bloodstock exports for racing purposes. New Zealand (44%) and Hong Kong (25%) are the primary beneficiaries of almost three-quarters of Australian bloodstock exports for racing purposes. It is estimated that 23% of thoroughbred horses exported were for breeding purposes, with 79% of breeding bloodstock exported to New Zealand.
The AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program is funded by statutory levies paid by industry participants and industry contributions. Eligible expenditure is matched 50 cents per dollar by the Australian Government, subject to the availability of Commonwealth matching funding.
The Australian thoroughbred breeding industry contributes nearly $1.68 billion annually to the Australian economy and provides full-time employment for over 9,000 people, predominantly in rural...
The Australian thoroughbred breeding industry is the second-largest in the world and makes a substantial economic and social contribution to the country. Research capturing the...
TBA Learning is the Australian thoroughbred breeding industry’s home for online learning. This dedicated learning platform, owned and managed by Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA), supports...
Each thoroughbred breeding region has unique characteristics, so it is crucial to have accurate information specific to each state. Information acquired from the Australian Stud...
The Australian thoroughbred breeding industry is a significant contributor to the national economy, generating more than $1.16 billion annually. As the second-largest industry of its...
Concerns regarding the current thoroughbred yearling sales endoscopy process has led to a lack of confidence in the system, with stakeholders questioning whether it is...
Fertility varies significantly between thoroughbred stallions, and the time delay in pregnancy diagnosis – 14 days between breeding and knowing the outcome – limits the...
Message from the Panel Chair Dr Catherine Chicken, Chair, AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Advisory Panel During the past 12 months, key research investments made by the...
