This Request for Quotation (RFQ) is seeking services of an individual or organisation to undertake a body of work to provide AgriFutures Australia with an understanding of laryngeal movement examinations of young unbroken thoroughbred horses and if it is a reliable indicator of future race performance.

It is anticipated that the project should consult with industry experts as well as conduct a retrospective study on endoscopy images of the upper respiratory tract, with particular focus on the laryngeal/pharyngeal regions, and the relationship to race performance, completed on young sale horses as part of the AgriFutures Australia Thoroughbred Horses Program.

Individuals or organisations making a submission are required to understand the thoroughbred horse industry, veterinary aspects associated with yearling sales, and preparation and sale of yearlings.

This RFQ closes 12 noon AEDT, Wednesday, 10 February 2021

Endoscopic imaging of the upper respiratory track of yearling thoroughbreds is currently required for commercial sale and is considered a predictor of future race performance of thoroughbred horses. Limited information in Australia on endoscopic imaging, however, raises questions about the value of this measure and its accuracy in predicting performance.

This much needed research will help dispel, or confirm, myths around the future racing abilities of young horses with certain grades of laryngeal function. It will inform industry discussions around the relevance of endoscopic findings on the upper respiratory tract of yearlings as a requirement of commercial sale.

Preliminary discussions with industry expert veterinarians have identified the following points to be considered by this research:

• What do we know about the relationship between laryngeal movements and race performance? There have been previous studies performed in Australia, UK and USA but care must be taken interpreting these, as there are differences in the grading systems for laryngeal function between countries.
• How do the current grading systems relate to laryngeal disease/dysfunction and the rate of progression of the disease/dysfunction? This may help dispel or confirm myths around the future racing abilities of young horses with particular grades of laryngeal function.
• Previous international research has shown that when comparing race outcomes, there is no difference between grade one & two horses, to grade three horses, but this work is not universally accepted. A pass/fail grading instead of the current grading system should be considered by the researcher.
• This research will help to understand if the examination of the laryngeal movements of young, unbroken horses is a reliable indicator of future race performance.

This study will help understand if the examination of laryngeal movements of young, unbroken thoroughbred horses at rest is a reliable indicator of future race performance.

The successful individual or organisation is expected to address the following:

• Use endoscopy images of horses from the 2014 to 2018 Classic, Magic Millions, Easter and Melbourne yearling sales.
• A total number of 4000 to 5000 images should be used
• Summarise expert opinion on findings and importance of endoscopic imaging of yearlings.
• Conduct a retrospective study of endoscopy images completed on young horses from the above noted sales and dates and subsequent racing performance.
• Compare findings to international literature of radiography in young thoroughbreds.
• Present findings to the Thoroughbred Horses Advisory Panel and industry meetings, where appropriate.

Date                                       Activity

21 December 2020                      RFQ application open

10 February 2021                        RFQ applications close

10 March 2021                              Expected execution of contract or issue of agreement

April 2023                                      Expected project completion date

AgriFutures Australia believes that the project should be completed within 24 months. If a longer timeframe is required, the respondent should explain why that is the case.

By submitting an application, respondents acknowledge that they are willing to accept the terms and conditions set out in the Provider Agreement.

The Respondent agrees that AgriFutures Australia may accept or decline to accept the Respondent’s Quotation in its discretion. No commitments or contract exists until a contract in the form of the Provider Agreement is executed by both parties. The Respondent agrees that AgriFutures Australia is not required to enter into any contract in connection with the RFQ.

The Respondent agrees that participation in any stage of the RFQ process is at the Respondent’s sole risk and cost.

Acceptance of a Quotation will occur only when an Agreement is issued or a contract is executed.

AgriFutures Australia, at its discretion, may discontinue this RFQ, decline to accept any Quotation, decline to issue any contract or satisfy it requirement separately from this RFQ process.

AgriFutures Australia is moving to a new online project management system, K2. This system will manage all stages of project administration and will eventually replace our current system, Clarity.

Applications for this Request for Quote must be submitted online using the RFQ application in K2.

If you had a previous account in Clarity, you can login using your Clarity user name or email address and the initial password K2pass! You will be prompted to reset this initial password when you login. If at any time you forget your password, you can also reset it via a forgotten password link on the login page.

Click here to login to K2 

If you do not have a Clarity login you must create a K2 account before submitting a proposal. To set up a secure account before submitting a proposal, contact the AgriFutures Australia helpdesk for a username and password by emailing helpdesk@agrifutures.com.au

Usernames and passwords will only be issued while the applicable round is open.

• K2 User Guide: Submitting a Request for Quotation (RFQ)
• K2 User Guide: Admin approval for Request for Quotation (RFQ)

If you require assistance, please contact helpdesk@agrifutures.com.au

Please note, our Helpdesk will be closed over the Christmas period from 24 December 2020 returning on 4 January 2021. Any requests received during this time will be actioned when our office reopens on 4 January 2021.

If you are interested in applying, or have any questions about the RFQ process or requirements in the management services, please contact:

Annelies McGaw

Manager, Research – Thoroughbred Horses, Pasture Seeds, Honey Bees

0407 987 738

Annelies.mcgaw@agrifutures.com.au