The retirement/death statistics are based on the retirement destination or cause of death at the time
of the horse’s departure from the Thoroughbred racing industry during the 2018/19 racing season, as notified to
Racing Australia by the horse’s last registered owner or trainer.
These statistics do not account for movements of horses or horse deaths following departure from the industry,
being the point at which racing authorities cease to have jurisdiction over these horses.
Racing Australia has initiated an audit of the industry’s rules, policies, procedures, processes and data integrity, the
results of which will be used to enhance the traceability of Thoroughbred horses.
Equestrian/pleasure/working/companion horse 53%
Breeding purposes 27%
Official PRA retirement program <1%
Livestock sale <1%
Unknown <1%
Euthanised 10%
Died (Natural Causes) 5%
Other 1%
Abattoir <1%
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.