In 2019, RV introduced a three-year Equine Welfare Strategic Plan, which evolved into a comprehensive five-year plan in December 2022. A significant step in this journey was the implementation of a 1% prizemoney contribution to equine welfare in 2017, later increased to 2% in 2020. During this period, more than $38 million has been directed to welfare programs, well above the amount linked to prizemoney over the last seven years.
RV’s welfare strategy is comprehensive, addressing various aspects of a racehorse’s life. From August 2017 to June 2024, spending has been categorised as follows:
Risk-reduced racing (injury prevention) – 45.3% of spend:
Key investments include the acquisition of advanced diagnostic equipment like CT and PET scanners, collaborating with the University of Melbourne on the Equine Limb Injury Prevention Program research, the introduction of world-leading pre-race and pre-travel veterinary protocols for international horses running in the spring racing carnival and all horses running in the Melbourne Cup, and the Diagnostics Imaging Subsidy Program which is also known as ‘Medicare for Horses’. RV also supports research projects aimed at reducing injuries including those looking into track surfaces, cardiac health, and medication impacts, alongside maintaining a strong post-mortem program to understand injury causes.
Post-racing, safety net & visibility – 27.1% of spend:
Post-racing initiatives are helping to expand the range of second career options available for horses once they finish racing and encompass retraining programs, retrainer capacity expansion grants, and the Off The Track (OTT) program, which promotes thoroughbreds in equestrian activities. Financial aid is offered for emergency support, traceability audits, and partnerships to enhance rehoming efforts. The STAR (Short Term Assisted Recovery) Program and the Full Circle Emergency Contact Program exemplify the commitment to ensuring thoroughbreds’ safety and wellbeing after their racing careers.
Equine welfare & veterinary operations – 23.1% of spend:
RV has expanded its welfare team, established an independent Equine Welfare Advisory Council, and enhanced raceday veterinary services. These measures ensure thoroughbreds receive the very best care during races, with an emergency hospital on call.
Industry reputation & education – 4.5% of spend:
RV has launched an online learning platform with mandatory welfare modules, produced the ‘Here for the Horses’ documentary and podcast series, and promoted the programs to the community. The OTT ambassador program and content creation for the OTT community platform aim to elevate the profile of thoroughbreds beyond racing.
In the past year, RV has significantly increased its investment in post-racing support, now constituting more than 33% of the budget. This shift highlights the focus on aiding vulnerable and at-risk horses, expanding transition programs, and increasing subsidies for retrainers.
These efforts have yielded excellent results. Since 2021, 3000 welfare checks have been conducted, 500 scans through ‘Medicare for Horses’ have been subsidised, emergency aid to 300 horses has been provided, and support has been given for the retraining and rehoming of 2000 thoroughbreds. The OTT program has engaged 10,000 retired racehorses in events, enhancing their visibility and demand in the equestrian community.
Official retirement notifications to Racing Australia reveal that both owners and trainers are successfully rehoming the majority of the 1,800 thoroughbreds that are retired from racing each year to second careers, including roles as equestrian, pleasure, working, companion, and breeding horses. To bolster these efforts, RV’s primary focus is to foster demand for thoroughbreds beyond their racing careers and to provide support for those horses in vulnerable or at-risk situations. RV offers subsidies and resources to acknowledged retrainers who are adapting their models to meet current challenges. While RV plays a pivotal role in promoting thoroughbreds as desirable post-racing companions, the financial responsibility for their transition ultimately rests with racehorse owners.
Equine welfare remains the top priority for all of us within the racing industry, and the commitment to continuous improvement and stakeholder engagement continues.
For more information visit Racing Victoria’s programs and support options
