In 2016/17, the Australian thoroughbred racing industry generated more than $6,294 million in direct expenditure. The calculation of direct expenditure is based on the sum of the spending made by racing industry participants, businesses and customers as a result of the racing industry’s existence.

The breeding sector, through its activities in producing foals, is directly responsible  for creating an expenditure impact of  more than $935.2 million. The large majority of this impact (97.9%) occurs in regional areas of Australia.

The training sector, through its activities in preparing horses for racing, is responsible for creating an expenditure impact of $1,150 million. More than 70% of this expenditure impact occurs in regional areas. The size  of the training activity in metropolitan  areas is largely driven by training activities surrounding major racecourses – in particular those with resident trainers operating on-course.

Racing & wagering activities generate more than $4,209 million in expenditure nationally. Net wagering revenues (including product fee payments to the industry) make up the largest proportion of this spending whilst also being the largest funding source for the industry.