THOROUGHBRED
RACING IN WESTERN
AUSTRALIA

+ there are 37 thoroughbred racing clubs operating in Western Australia (WA), 1 of which is in the metropolitan area and 36 in regional areas.
+ the thoroughbred racing industry in WA is responsible for generating more than $562.0 million in value added contribution to gross state product. This equates to 6.1% of the
total impact generated by thoroughbred racing in Australia.
+ the economic impact generated by the thoroughbred racing industry in WA is responsible for sustaining a total of 4,629 full time equivalent (FTE) jobs in the region.
+ the thoroughbred racing industry in WA generates more than $304.1 million in household incomes for those employed in full-time, part-time and casual work.
+ more than 15,310 individuals are involved in the thoroughbred racing industry as a participant, employee or volunteer.

THOROUGHBRED RACING IN WA IS RESPONSIBLE FOR GENERATING $562.0 MILLION IN VALUE ADDED ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION

Key statistics

37 Racing Clubs

METRO 1
REGIONAL 36

37 Race Tracks

METRO 2
REGIONAL 35

288 Race Meetings

METRO 90
REGIONAL 198

2,169 Races

METRO 720
REGIONAL 1,449

411,312 Attendances

METRO 164,000
REGIONAL 247,312

KEY ECONOMIC IMPACTS

$562.0 million Total
Economic Contribution

4,629 Total FTE Job
Creation

$304.1 million Total Household Income
Created

DIRECT SPENDING BY THE THOROUGHBRED RACING INDUSTRY
IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA

In 2016/17, the thoroughbred racing industry in WA generated more than $489.4 million in direct expenditure. The calculation of direct expenditure is based on the sum of the spending made by racing industry participants, businesses and customers as a result of the racing industry’s existence.
The following table illustrates the key drivers of the expenditure generated by thoroughbred racing in Western Australia:
SOURCE OF FINAL EXPENDITURE
FUNDED BY
AMOUNT
($ MIL)
Breeding - production of foals
+ Owner & breeder expenditure
+ Service fees revenue
+ Industry bonuses & incentives
$41.8
Training - preparation of horses for racing
+ Owner & trainer expenditure
+ Prizemoney
+ Industry bonuses & incentives
+ Nominations
$108.3
Racing & Wagering Activities
+ Net wagering revenues & product fees
+ Other raceday revenues
+ Non-raceday racing club revenues
+ Off-track racing customer spending
$339.2
TOTAL
$489.4

THE PEOPLE

629 Breeders

METRO 310
REGIONAL 319

503 Trainers

METRO 233
REGIONAL 270

8,455 Owners

METRO 5,181
REGIONAL 3,274

1,632 Volunteers

METRO 338
REGIONAL 1,294

THE ANIMALS

61 Stallions

METRO 18
REGIONAL 43

1,402 Broodmares
Covered

METRO 494
REGIONAL 908

955 Foals Produced

METRO 337
REGIONAL 618

4,134 Horses in Training

METRO 1,345
REGIONAL 2,789