Horse Racing

Last updated 29 June 2020

The Stud

Australia is the second largest breeder of thoroughbred racehorses in the world, with 21,500 mares and 700 breeding stallions. Many overseas investors come to purchase Australian horses from the  sales in the hopes of purchasing a ‘winning’ horse. These horses are often exported overseas to then be trained and raced in foreign countries.

The Sales

In Australia thoroughbreds are auctioned off at all different stages of life. However, the most sought after age to buy thoroughbreds for racing is yearlings, as trainers begin training horses between 15 and 18 months of age.

Horse Breakers

Breaking and training of thoroughbreds commences between 15 and 18 months of age. Breaking in a horse refers to the process by which a horse is taught to comply with human commands through uncomfortable/stressful processes.

Training/Housing

Horses are mostly confined to stables for 22 hours a day, the remaining time is accounted for by their strict training routine.

Racing

On average, the racing career of a horse will end when they are between 2-3 years old. However, a horse’s natural life span is 25-30 years.

Painful Equipment

The use of painful equipment in the horse racing industry is widespread.

Health Complications

Racehorses experience a number of painful health conditions that are attributed to their strict housing and training routine. 

Doping of Horses

‘Doping’ refers to the illegal administering of banned substances to racehorses to improve their racing performance

Wastage

When horses exit the racing industry permanently it is described as ‘wastage’. The main reason horses exit the racing industry is due to poor performance, with less common factors including injury, illness or behavioural issues

Human impacts of horse racing

All too overlooked is the negative effect of the horse and greyhound racing industries on human wellbeing. Horse and greyhound racing exists solely for, and is supported by, gambling.

Photos (407) View all Upload

Highland Knackery's animal intake log NSW 2020
Highland Knackery's animal intake log NSW 2020
Highland Knackery's animal intake log NSW 2020
Highland Knackery's animal intake log NSW 2020
Highland Knackery's animal intake log NSW 2020
Highland Knackery's animal intake log NSW 2020
Highland Knackery's animal intake log NSW 2020
Highland Knackery's animal intake log NSW 2020
Highland Knackery's animal intake log NSW 2020
Highland Knackery's animal intake log NSW 2020
Whiteboard in Highland Pet Food's offic... NSW 2020
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Email between Broombee Stud and Highland... NSW 2020

Videos (10) View all Upload

The Finish Line: Part Two (short) (Oct 2020)
The Finish Line: Part Two (extended) (Oct 2020)
Burns Pet Foods NSW (extended) (Jun 2020)
Luddenham Pet Meats NSW (extended horse-... (Jun 2020)
The Finish Line: NSW Racing's Retiremen... (Jun 2020)
The Finish Line: NSW Racing's Retiremen... (Jun 2020)
The dark side of Australia's horse raci... (Oct 2019)
Dominion (2018) - full documentary [Offi... (Dec 2018)
The story of Nature's Child - hidden ho... (May 2018)
Dominion (2018): Official Trailer (Aug 2017)

Documents (2) View all Upload

Prevention of Cruelty to Anima... (5/3/18)
Australian Standard for Hygien... (30/9/17)

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Facilities (369) View all

MC Kent Racing Stables, Cranbourne VIC
Medowie Lodge Harness Racing S..., Campvale NSW
Unknown, Avalon VIC
Birdsville Racecourse, Birdsville QLD
Unknown, Atherton QLD
Unknown, Richmond Hill QLD
Kilcoy Racecourse, Woolmar QLD
Caulfield Racecourse Stables, Caulfield East VIC
Allman Park, Warwick QLD
Rosehill Racecourse, Rosehill NSW
Oakey Racecourse, Oakey QLD
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Unknown, Athol QLD