The Australian thoroughbred breeding industry contributes more than $1.68 billion to the national economy each year and is the second largest in the world. The AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program invests in high-impact research, development and extension (RD&E) to improve the sustainability, productivity and global competitiveness of the Australian thoroughbred industry. Through strategic investment in thoroughbred research and innovation, the program supports breeders, veterinarians and industry stakeholders to strengthen equine health, welfare and performance.
Thoroughbred Horses Miriam Drinnan’s vision for a big, bold career in the Thoroughbred industry has just been turbo-charged thanks to the Les Young Scholarship, an award supported by the AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program.
5 min read
THOROUGHBRED HORSES / 03.09.25 Soil compaction is quietly limiting pasture productivity and affecting horse health. Thanks to the work of 2022 Nuffield Scholar Adam Williamson, the thoroughbred industry now has practical, evidence-based strategies to address it.
3 min read
THOROUGHBRED HORSES / 20.08.25 To help further drive the Australian Thoroughbred horse industry’s long-term sustainability through targeted research and innovation, AgriFutures Australia has appointed Michael Grieve as Chair and Jonathan D’Arcy as a new member of its Thoroughbred Horses Advisory Panel.
4 min read
THOROUGHBRED HORSES / 13.08.25 Racing Australia, with funding from AgriFutures Australia, is proud to announce a landmark national research initiative to assess demand for retired Thoroughbreds and inform the development of a comprehensive strategy supporting their transition into second careers and long-term homes.
3 min read
Salmonella is an important intestinal infection of horses of all ages, and can cause colic, diarrhoea, generalised illness and death. Horses infected with Salmonella frequently need intensive treatment...
Publication / 4 Pages
Salmonella infection can result in major health consequences in horses. The recommendations drawn from this study are crucial for improving biosecurity measures and infection control practices...
Publication / 44 Pages
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...
Publication / 8 Pages
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...
Publication / 50 Pages
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...
Publication / 6 Pages
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
Racing Australia Limited
June 2025 - May 2026
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 - April 2027
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
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 - August 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 Melbourne
July 2020 - December 2025
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 AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program invests in targeted research, development and extension (RD&E) to strengthen the sustainability, productivity and global competitiveness of the Australian thoroughbred industry.
The program supports high-impact projects across four key priority areas:
Guided by the AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program Strategic RD&E Plan, research priorities are carefully identified and balanced to deliver outcomes that enhance industry productivity, profitability and long-term 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.
Continued investment in thoroughbred horses research is essential to building an efficient breeding system and enhancing the global competitiveness of the Australian thoroughbred industry.
The AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program works closely with breeders, industry associations and the Thoroughbred Horses Advisory Panel to identify research priorities and direct program investments where they will deliver the greatest impact. This collaborative approach supports sustainable horse breeding, stronger industry performance, and long-term growth for the sector.
Learn about the Agrifutures Thoroughbred Horses Advisory Panel
Visit Thoroughbred Breeders Australia
If you’re passionate about thoroughbred horse research or thoroughbred breeding in Australia, we’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re a thoroughbred breeder, researcher, or interested in being involved in the Australian thoroughbred industry, reach out to the AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program.
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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