Ownership and Training

OWNERSHIP & TRAINING

Owners play a significant role in the funding model of the racing industry. They provide much of the capital outlay and day-to-day funding for the preparation of racehorses.

In 2016/17 there were more than 85,400 individuals with an ownership interest in a thoroughbred racehorse. These owners competed for just over $600 million in prizemoney throughout the year.

Research over a number of years has shown that many owners do not consider their involvement to be a financial investment from which they expect a net positive return. This is not to say however, that owners are prepared to continue to fund their involvement if there are diminished opportunities to realise a return.

In 2016/17, thoroughbred owners spent more than $1,150 million nationally on the preparation of their racehorses for racing. More than 70% of this training activity occurs in regional areas of the nation.

This spending funded the preparation of more than 38,000 horses in training across the nation – prepared by nearly 3,800 thoroughbred trainers.

Essentially, owners incur costs on the preparation of their racehorses in the following areas:
+ feed
+ veterinarian, worming and supplements
+ travel and transport
+ training fee
+ stabling
+ cleaning
+ gear and equipment

Key statistics

85,433 Owners

METRO 38,746
REGIONAL 46,687

3,796 Trainers

METRO 828
REGIONAL 2,968

38,018 Horses in Training

METRO 12,987
REGIONAL 25,031
METRO
REGIONAL
TOTAL
Australian Capital Territory
521
-
521
New South Wales
5,199
6,603
11,802
Northern Territory
205
161
366
Queensland
1,585
5,947
7,532
South Australia
1,003
1,601
2,604
Tasmania
398
716
1,114
Victoria
2,931
7,628
10,559
Western Australia
1,145
2,375
3,520
TOTAL
12,987
25,031
38,018