The retirement and end of life statistics set out above are based on the retirement destination or reason for the implementation of an end of life scenario at the time of a Thoroughbreds’ departure from the Thoroughbred racing industry during the 2019/2020 racing season (August 1st – July 30). As notified to Racing Australia by the Thoroughbred’s last registered owner or trainer.
These statistics do not account for Thoroughbred movements including, end of life following the Thoroughbreds’ departure from the Racing Industry.
Equestrian/pleasure/working/companion horse - 60%
Breeding purposes - 19%
Euthanised - 10%
Died (natural causes) - 7%
Official PRA retirement program - 2%
Other - 2%
The racing career of a thoroughbred may cease at any time for any number of reasons. Racing Australia and its associated Principal Racing Authorities take their duty of care for retired racehorses very seriously. Racing Australia has led Thoroughbred racing globally in introducing reforms and rules to improve integrity and animal welfare; in fact Britain has adopted similar measure from January 1 this year.
In order to protect the welfare of both thoroughbreds and riders Racing Australia implemented the following rules regarding the mandatory age of retirement:
For more information in relation to retirement programs in each state, please follow the below links to the Principal Racing Authority (PRA) websites.