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 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
THOROUGHBRED HORSES / 07.08.24 A ground-breaking project led by Dr Gary Muscatello at The University of Sydney has paved the way for a novel potential management strategy to combat Rhodococcus equi pneumonia in foals, commonly known as ‘rattles’.
4 min read
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
In the wake of the 2022 foot and mouth disease (FMD) resurgence in Indonesia, there is a critical need for Australia to be prepared in...
Publication / 58 Pages
The re-emergence of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in Indonesia in 2022 has emphasised the need for Australia to be prepared for a potential incursion....
Publication / 5 Pages
The Australian thoroughbred breeding industry continues to grapple with managing risks related to Rhodococcus equi pneumonia, commonly known as ‘rattles’. The disease compromises foal health...
Publication / 6 Pages
Infectious diseases can cause significant equine illness and death, seriously impacting the productivity of the Australian thoroughbred breeding industry and incurring economic losses. One well-known...
Publication / 6 Pages
The Australian thoroughbred breeding industry is second in size only to that of the United States, with 660 stud farms predominantly in New South Wales,...
Publication / 25 Pages
Resistance to antibiotics used to treat horses is increasing. Resistant bacteria can spread from horses to humans (and humans to horses). When bacteria develop resistance...
Publication / 1 Page
Exposure to fetal material and bodily fluids poses a significant risk of spreading and contracting infectious diseases carried by pregnant mares. Monitor, test and suit-up...
Publication / 1 Page
The University of Newcastle
May 2024 - September 2027
IER Trading PTY LTD
March 2024 - August 2024
AusVet Pty Ltd
October 2023 - April 2024
The University of Queensland
August 2023 - August 2024
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
July 2022 - September 2025
Thoroughbred Breeders WA
July 2022 - January 2023
Thoroughbred Breeders Australia
July 2022 - January 2023
The University of Queensland
July 2022 - September 2023
The University of Newcastle
July 2022 - July 2024
The Australian Veterinary Association Ltd
June 2022 - February 2025
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 - June 2024
The University of Adelaide
July 2020 - January 2023
Charles Sturt University
July 2020 - May 2023
The University of Queensland
July 2020 - December 2021
The University of Adelaide
July 2020 - December 2022
The University of Queensland
May 2020 - June 2021
Charles Sturt University
February 2020 - June 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 University of Melbourne
July 2011 - June 2013
The University of Melbourne
July 2011 - May 2013
The University of Queensland
March 2011 - April 2013
The University of Melbourne
August 2010 - May 2013
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
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
Sign up to receive AgriFutures™ Program news, and keep up to date with the latest research, events and program activities.
By subscribing you acknowledge you have read the AgriFutures Australia privacy policy and consent to your personal information being collected, held, used and disclosed in the manner and for the purposes stated there.
