In July 2019, Racing Victoria released the industry’s three-year Equine Welfare Strategic Plan after consultation with stakeholders and animal welfare and care groups. This was accelerated and expanded in October 2019, with a minimum $25 million commitment (read more here) to fast track the action plans priority projects, focusing on the post-racing care of retired racehorses.
At the core of the post-racing framework is the development of pathways which meet the needs of every retired thoroughbred, no matter their circumstances.
To help deliver the programs and projects that underpin the action plan, a dedicated in-house equine welfare taskforce has been formed. The equine welfare team works closely with our veterinarian services and broader Integrity Department to deliver positive outcomes for all Victorian racehorses.
The Equine Welfare Strategic Plan is underpinned by the following overarching aims:
Click here to view and download the Equine Welfare Strategic Plan.
Setting standards, and providing a structure of support and governance that maximises welfare before, during and after racing. Three years from now we will have:
Effectively monitor population dynamics, identify risk periods for welfare outcomes and implement initiatives to increase visibility.
Three years from now we will have:
Maximising the health and welfare of the thoroughbred during racing by understanding the risks and having processes, resources, facilities, and education that mitigate them.
Develop a structure and program of initiatives that maximise outcomes for thoroughbreds bred for racing.
Empower industry participants to become equine welfare advocates.
Demonstrate RV and industry commitment to equine welfare to the wider community.
The following provides an update on the progress of Racing Victoria’s equine welfare action plan and the investments being made to enhance the industry’s efforts in this critical space.
With the support of all within the Victorian racing industry, we have been able to make important strides to increase our efforts to deliver programs and pathways to support the great work of many owners and participants in caring for our equine athletes at every stage of their lives.
Since January 2020, the Victorian racing industry has directed $10 million to delivering its equine welfare action plan. Of that investment, $6.8 million or 68% has been contributed via a 2% prizemoney allocation, with the balance coming directly from RV funds.
A further $15 million is scheduled to be spent on the equine welfare action plan over the next 18 months as we expand upon the initiatives progressed since the start of 2020 and the roll out of new programs.
The projected $15 million investment will include a continued 2% prizemoney contribution from industry participants which will equate to $7 million, with the balance of $8 million to again come directly from RV funds.
CLICK HERE to read the full update.
Racing Australia is providing new tools to support participants to understand their obligations under the new traceability rules and help ensure the welfare of all our thoroughbreds.
Click here to learn more.
View the key focus points of the Equine Welfare and Veterinary Services Department at Racing Victoria.
View more
Caring for racehorses is in our blood. We are committed to ensuring the highest quality of life pre, during and post-racing careers.
View information on The Off the Track program which aims to facilitate the placement of retired thoroughbred racehorses in second careers.