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.
Thoroughbred Horses 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 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 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
THOROUGHBRED HORSES / 30.10.24 As we approach the high-risk period for exposure to hairy processionary caterpillars (Ochrogaster lunifer), it is crucial for stud staff to remain vigilant. These caterpillars, or their nest material, can cause significant harm to pregnant mares, leading to equine amnionitis and fetal loss (EAFL) syndrome. This condition can result in mid- to late-term abortion or the birth of premature, weak, and underdeveloped foals.
4 min read
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...
Publication / 4 Pages
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...
Publication / 48 Pages
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...
Publication / 6 Pages
Fertility varies significantly between thoroughbred stallions, and the time delay in pregnancy diagnosis – 14 days between breeding and knowing the outcome – limits the...
Publication / 5 Pages
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...
Publication / 80 Pages
The Australian thoroughbred industry is a significant economic and cultural sector, yet faces the persistent challenge of Rhodococcus equi-induced bronchopneumonia, colloquially known as ‘rattles’. This...
Publication / 83 Pages
The primary objective of the Identifying revenue opportunities for AgriFutures Australia’s rural industries project was to identify potential new and alternate revenue sources within 28...
Publication / 2 Pages
Hendra virus (HeV) is a lethal pathogen of major concern to the equine industry in eastern Australia. Currently, conclusive diagnosis of HeV is only possible...
Publication / 6 Pages
Prevent the spread of diseases between horses and humans through proactive protection. Equine fetal loss/abortions pose a risk to human health in the form of...
Publication / 8 Pages
This blueprint serves as a resource for those interested in the thoroughbred horse industry and provides essential fast facts alongside the fundamental themes highlighted in...
Publication / 2 Pages
Equine Specialist Consulting
January 2025 - May 2026
The University of Newcastle
May 2024 - September 2027
Hot Tin Roof Communications Pty Ltd as Trustee for Hot Tin Roof Family Trust
March 2024 - October 2024
IER Trading PTY LTD
March 2024 - August 2024
AusVet Pty Ltd
November 2023 - April 2024
The University of Queensland
August 2023 - August 2024
The University of Queensland
June 2023 - June 2025
R M Hedlefs BVSc
March 2023 - May 2023
Hot Tin Roof Communications Pty Ltd as Trustee for Hot Tin Roof Family Trust
January 2023 - June 2023
Hot Tin Roof Communications Pty Ltd as Trustee for Hot Tin Roof Family Trust
January 2023 - December 2023
The University of Sydney
January 2023 - October 2026
The University of Adelaide
October 2022 - November 2024
University of the Sunshine Coast
September 2022 - January 2024
Charles Sturt University
August 2022 - December 2024
The University of Newcastle
August 2022 - October 2025
Thoroughbred Breeders WA
July 2022 - January 2023
The University of Queensland
July 2022 - September 2023
Thoroughbred Breeders Australia
July 2022 - January 2023
The University of Newcastle
July 2022 - July 2024
Thoroughbred Breeders Australia
February 2022 - June 2024
Thoroughbred Breeders Victoria
December 2021 - February 2023
AgEconPlus Pty Ltd
October 2021 - August 2022
Cumbre Consulting
July 2021 - May 2022
The University of Queensland
June 2021 - July 2023
AgEconPlus Pty Ltd
January 2021 - July 2022
The University of Melbourne
December 2020 - July 2024
The University of Adelaide
July 2020 - January 2023
Charles Sturt University
July 2020 - May 2023
The University of Adelaide
July 2020 - January 2023
The University of Queensland
July 2020 - December 2021
The University of Queensland
May 2020 - June 2021
Charles Sturt University
March 2020 - July 2023
Racing Australia Limited
July 2019 - August 2022
The University of Newcastle
May 2019 - April 2023
The University of Melbourne
May 2019 - December 2020
The University of Newcastle
May 2019 - May 2022
(DPI) The Crown in right of the State of New South Wales acting through the Department of Primary Industries within Regional NSW
January 2019 - March 2020
La Trobe University
October 2018 - May 2021
The University of Melbourne
October 2018 - February 2021
Charles Sturt University
September 2018 - December 2020
The University of Melbourne
September 2018 - April 2023
Charles Sturt University
August 2018 - December 2024
The University of Melbourne
August 2018 - May 2020
The University of Melbourne
June 2018 - December 2021
University of the Sunshine Coast
June 2018 - June 2022
The University of Melbourne
June 2018 - September 2019
The University of Newcastle
May 2018 - July 2020
Agtrans Research
November 2014 - June 2015
The Australian Veterinary Association Ltd
April 2013 - July 2013
McFarlane Strategic Services
December 2012 - February 2013
The University of Queensland
November 2012 - January 2015
Charles Sturt University
June 2012 - April 2014
Equine Consulting Services
June 2012 - November 2013
Australian Horse Industry Council
September 2011 - May 2012
Murdoch University
August 2011 - December 2014
The University of Melbourne
August 2011 - June 2013
The University of Queensland
August 2011 - May 2014
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:
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
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.
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
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
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