With impacted feed reserves and lower harvest yields following a sustained drought period putting pressure on feed prices, in March 2025 Racing Victoria 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. This support has now closed.
What was 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, whilst they make decisions around rehoming or reducing numbers of thoroughbreds in their care.
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 for 30 days 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 closed 30 June 2025.
What support is available now?
Victorian thoroughbred racing industry participants 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.