Thoroughbred Horses

The thoroughbred breeding industry in Australia is responsible for generating more than $1.16 billion to the Australian economy and is the second largest in the world. AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program invests in high-impact RD&E that improves the sustainability, productivity and competitiveness of the Australian thoroughbred industry.

Latest news and events

Thoroughbred Horses

Salmonella infection in the spotlight in effort to prevent and control disease

Epidemiological studies are helping determine the prevalence and predictive factors for Salmonella shedding and the impact of Salmonella-associated disease in the Australian thoroughbred breeding industry. Understanding the factors associated with Salmonella shedding and the characteristics of the bacteria will help to develop better prevention and control strategies.

5 min read

THOROUGHBRED HORSES / 10.04.25

Applications open for the 2025 Les Young Scholarship: an international opportunity for emerging thoroughbred professionals

Young professionals in the thoroughbred breeding industry have a unique opportunity to enhance their careers, with applications now open for the 2025 Les Young Scholarship.

3 min read

THOROUGHBRED HORSES / 28.02.25

Fast Track applications now open

Applications for Thoroughbred Breeders Australia’s (TBA) latest Fast Track program are now open. The course offers a pathway into the breeding sector and the opportunity to gain a nationally recognised qualification, while being paid full time.

2 min read

THOROUGHBRED HORSES / 24.01.25

Championing thoroughbred welfare: Investing in best practices, workforce safety, and environmental sustainability

The AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program invests in research, development and extension (RD&E) that improves the sustainability, productivity and competitiveness of the Australian thoroughbred industry. The Program has 13 research projects currently underway across the priority areas, with six of these projects addressing the first priority area on thoroughbred horse welfare, workforce safety and environmental sustainability.

4 min read

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About the AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program

The AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program invests in RD&E that improves the sustainability, productivity and competitiveness of the Australian thoroughbred industry. The Program supports investment in projects across four priority areas:

Thoroughbred horse welfare, workforce safety and environmental sustainability
Thoroughbred breeding
Workforce, industry and community engagement
Thoroughbred diseases and parasites

The AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program Strategic RD&E Plan identifies and balances the research, development and extension priorities and outcomes to promote industry productivity, profitability and sustainability.

Download the AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program Strategic RD&E Plan 2022-2027

About your levy

Australian primary industries that choose to invest in the levies system prescribe the amount of levy or charge applied to a commodity under the Primary Industries (Customs) Charges Act 1999, Primary Industries (Excise) Levies Act 1999, National Residue Survey (Customs) Levy Act 1998 and the National Residue Survey (Excise) Levy Act 1998.

Collaboration

A continued investment into thoroughbred horses research will ensure an efficient breeding system and enhance the competitiveness of the industry. We are committed to working closely with all those involved in thoroughbred breeding, including Advisory Panels and industry associations to identify research priorities and make Program investments which will have the greatest impact on the industry.

Learn about the Agrifutures Thoroughbred Horses Advisory Panel
Visit Thoroughbred Breeders Australia

Contact

For project-related inquiries:

Caitlin Smith
Manager, Levied & Emerging Industries – Thoroughbred Horses Program

0407 987 738

Mia Lorber-Hughes
Coordinator, Levied & Emerging Industries – Thoroughbred Horses Program

0437 811 347

For industry and strategic issues and inquiries:

Amanda Olthof
Senior Manager, Levied & Emerging Industries – Thoroughbred Horses Program

0499 384 037

Funding opportunities

Thoroughbred Horses

Environment and sustainability

National trends

Productivity

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About the AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program