A new documentary which explores the topic of equine welfare in Victoria’s thoroughbred racing industry will premiere on Channel 7 on Thursday night, 22 September 2022 in the countdown to the Victorian Spring Racing Carnival’s biggest events.
Produced by THIS. Film Studio in collaboration with RCKT Co, Racing Victoria (RV) and Screen Australia, ‘Here for the Horses’ is hosted by AFL triple premiership hero Josh Gibson – a racing enthusiast who is forging a post-football career riding and working with horses.
The documentary explores the initiatives and world leading safety standards that RV has established in recent years to help protect the welfare of all racehorses – before, during and after racing.
‘Here for the Horses’ provides a never-before-seen look at the faces and stories of racing, both equine and human, and brings to life the moments and decisions that shape a sport.
Alongside Gibson, the documentary features key figures and voices from the thoroughbred racing industry including superstar jockey Jamie Kah, legendary broadcaster Bruce McAvaney, breeder and owner Anthony Mithen, and Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Danny O’Brien.
Through eye-opening conversations and first-hand experiences, ‘Here for the Horses’ takes Gibson, who attributes his love of horses to his parents, on a journey that highlights the genuine love those involved in racing have for its equine athletes.
Gibson said: "I’m grateful for the opportunity to present the ‘Here for the Horses’ documentary and to tell the stories of those who are instrumental in the level of care afforded to thoroughbred racehorses throughout the stages of their lives.
“Racing is an important part of Victoria’s cultural and sporting landscape – and a big part of my life – so I’m proud to have gone on this journey to understand how multifaceted the industry is, and just how many people work tirelessly behind the scenes to care for these wonderful animals.
“I learnt a lot creating this documentary and I’m looking forward to sharing those learnings with viewers as we explore the welfare initiatives in place in Victoria and examine the level of care being afforded to racehorses.”
Lisa Coffey, an acknowledged retrainer and head of equine assisted therapy provider Racing Hearts, and Tanya Twaits, President of Riding for the Disabled Association of Victoria (RDAV), also feature and provide a unique insight into post-racing careers for retired racehorses.
Coffey said: “The one thing that really resonated with me with the documentary is how Josh was able to clearly portray everyone’s love of the horse; that genuine care and emotion for these beautiful animals has really carried through.
“All of our therapists at Racing Hearts, who have come from a clinical background, see much quicker, more positive change in their clients who visit us and it’s the retired racehorses who are the conduit for change for these clients”.
Andrew Jones, RV Chief Executive, says RV is committed to the best possible welfare for thoroughbred horses in Victoria.
Jones said: “The Victorian racing community loves horses – it’s why it devotes its time, energy and expertise to our sport. ‘Here for the Horses’ shows our industry’s commitment to our racehorses living happy and healthy lives on and off the track.
“RV is supporting this via a $25 million investment in equine welfare over three years and 2% of prizemoney ongoing. Our goal is to ensure the highest standards of care are maintained during and beyond racing.”
The ‘Here for the Horses’ documentary will premiere on free-to-air Channel 7 at 10pm (AET) on Thursday, 22 September 2022, immediately following the AFL Grand Final edition of The Front Bar.
An encore will screen on Channel 7 at 10.45am (AET) on Saturday, 1 October prior to the broadcast of Turnbull Stakes Day from Flemington, while Racing.com will also broadcast it at 8pm (AET) on Sunday night, 25 September on free-to-air Channels 78 and 68 (country Victoria).
To find out more about ‘Here for the Horses’, visit: www.equinewelfare.com.au
View the trailer for ‘Here for the Horses’ below: