Knowledgebase > Horse Racing

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

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