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

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

THOROUGHBRED HORSES / 30.10.24

Reminder: Keep an eye out for caterpillar eggs and nests during high-risk period

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

THOROUGHBRED HORSES / 19.09.24

New program manager brings strong thoroughbred background to the role

A strong alliance and an exceptional amount of experience within the Australian thoroughbred industry has placed Caitlin Smith in good stead for her new role as Program Manager for the AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program.

4 min read

THOROUGHBRED HORSES / 09.08.24

Basil Nolan races into the future with support of Les Young Scholarship

Basil Nolan is set to swap his family’s thoroughbred breeding farm in south-east Queensland for the UK National Stud in January 2025, thanks to the Les Young Scholarship which is supported by the AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program.

5 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

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Thoroughbred Horses

Environment and sustainability

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About the AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program