With impacted feed reserves and lower harvest yields following a sustained drought period putting pressure on feed prices, Racing Victoria has introduced a Drought Relief Support Package aimed at helping alleviate current impacts and allow recipients time to put in place a plan to manage the potentially ongoing dry conditions.
Which are the eligible drought affected areas?
The Victorian Government has now broadened its drought eligibility to the entire state.
Licensed trainers and acknowledged post-racing providers caring for Victorian domiciled registered thoroughbreds in all Local Government Areas (LGA) in Victoria are now eligible to apply for RV’s drought relief support package (access form here).
What is included in the drought relief support package?
Successful drought relief support package applicants will receive a one-time payment of $500 per Stud Book registered thoroughbred (up to a maximum of $10,000 per individual recipient) for the provision of feed for pasture fed thoroughbreds.
To be eligible, the thoroughbreds must:
- Be registered as in the direct care of the licensed trainer or acknowledged post-racing program provider; and
- be listed as Spelling or Retired and remaining in the direct care and ownership of the licensed trainer; and
- be majority owned as per ownership records by the licensed trainer or acknowledged post-racing program provider; and
- be domiciled in an eligible LGA for a minimum of 30 days.
The drought relief support package is only available once per successful applicant in the application window. The program was launched on 14 March 2025 and continues through to 30 June 2025.
How do I apply for the drought relief support package?
Applications can be submitted via the following link up to 11.59pm (AET) on Monday, 30 June 2025.
If applying, please make sure your horse traceability records are correct – whether that be in SNS or retired racehorses on the OTT Community.
Please note the drought relief support package eligibility criteria and financial support are subject to ongoing review and can change at RV’s sole discretion.
Who will contact me regarding my application’s outcome?
RV’s equine welfare team will contact you with confirmation of your submission outcome. As a first step, this may include the need to seek additional information about your individual circumstances. Due to the high demand for this support, please allow up to 10 business days for your application to be processed.
Successful applicants will need to confirm details such as bank information and their ABN number to enable RV to process the approved payment to their nominated bank account.
What if I’m not eligible for the drought relief support package?
Victorian thoroughbred racing industry participants who aren’t eligible for the drought relief support package can utilise the RV post racing programs to assist with transitioning horses out of their care if so desired.
If you’re facing tough times and need to seek assistance, please refer to RV’s safety net resources on this page or contact RV’s equine welfare team using the contact details below.
The Victorian Government has also extended their Drought Support package. To find out more information about this package please visit the Agriculture Victoria website.
In addition, equine nutritionists Kentucky Equine Research also have great articles to assist with feeding horses during drought on the KER website. These may be of interest and assistance.
Whilst the welfare of our horses is critical, RV does have support services available for industry participants too if ever needed.
STABLELINE offers free and strictly confidential mental health and wellbeing support to RV licensed/registered participants and their immediate family members. Participants and immediate family can call 1300 520 122 at any time to book a face-to-face, telephone or online appointment.
Who can I contact for more information or assistance with the application process?
RV’s equine welfare team can be contacted to find out more about the drought relief support package or to provide advice on your horse(s) individual circumstances and what other options may be available via email equinewelfare@racingvictoria.net.au or by phone on 03 9258 4258.