Oral Presentation 24th International Conference of Racing Analysts and Veterinarians 2026

Developing a strategy to increase demand for retired Thoroughbreds in Australia (130378)

Natasha A Hamilton 1 , Karen Day 2 , Lizzie Auld 3 , Ella Baird 4 , Karen Caldwell 5 , Kim Duffy 5 , Kay Fuller 3 , Carly Garling 6 , Cara Holland 7 , Ceilidh Jenkins 8 , Martin F Lenz 9 , Caroline McMullen 3 , Claire McRedmond 6 , Taelor Mackenzie 8 , Paige Mantynen 2 , Anna Smet 3 , Melissa V Ware 7 , Jennifer Krawczyk 10 , Brandon D Velie 11 , Jane M Williams 12
  1. Equine Genetics Research Centre, Racing Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  2. Equine Welfare and Traceability, Racing Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  3. Animal Welfare Department, Racing WA, Osborne Park, WA, Australia
  4. Thoroughbred Racing Northern Territory, Darwin, NT, Australia
  5. Veterinary Services & Animal Welfare, Racing Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
  6. Veterinary Department, Racing NSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  7. Equine Welfare, Racing Victoria, Flemington, VIC, Australia
  8. Equine Genetics Research Centre, Racing Australia, Scone, NSW, Australia
  9. Veterinary Services & Animal Welfare, Tasracing, Elwick, TAS, Australia
  10. J Krawczyk, Anglers Rest, VIC, Australia
  11. Equine Genetics & Genomics Group, School of Life & Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  12. Equine Department, Hartpury University, Gloucester, United Kingdom

The Thoroughbred industry in Australia is the second largest in the world, both in terms of breeding and races held. The Thoroughbred industry and wider community maintain an interest in the wellbeing of racehorses before, during and after their racing careers. There are currently gaps in knowledge about perception of and demand for retired racehorses.

To address these gaps, this project will use statistical analyses and consultation with industry to understand the current demand for Thoroughbreds. Using data that are available, models will be developed to accurately describe the horses leaving the industry, and determine whether there are modifiable factors associated with measures of success of those horses in their new homes. A survey will delve into the perceptions horse owners have of Thoroughbreds to gain insight into how owning a retired Thoroughbred could be made more attractive to everyone. The survey will also explore horse owners’ knowledge of the currently available support for retired racehorses, and investigate what barriers exist and what further support could be provided for people that rehome or retrain retired Thoroughbreds. The findings of the survey will be supported by in-depth interviews with national and international organisations, and individuals that are involved in rehoming and/or retraining retired Thoroughbreds. Current methods for stimulating demand will be analysed to identify what is working already, and what new strategies could be introduced.

The results of the statistical analyses, survey and interviews will be presented at this conference. The ultimate goal of the analysis is to develop a strategy to stimulate demand for retired Thoroughbreds in Australia. This will use the results of the three components of this project to understand what support and programs are already working, new processes that should be attempted, and where future support should be directed to improve outcomes for all retired Thoroughbred horses.