This Request for Quotation (RFQ) is seeking the services of an individual or organisation to undertake research to provide AgriFutures Australia with an understanding of what radiographic lesions in thoroughbred yearlings are significant in limiting future racing performance.

It is anticipated that the project should include consultation with industry experts to summarise what is known about radiographic lesions detected in yearling radiographs, conduct a retrospective study on radiograph images, and their relationship to future racing performance 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

Thoroughbred breeders have long questioned the interpretation of pre-sale radiography on yearlings and weanlings as a predictor of the future racing performance of thoroughbreds.

The association between radiographic changes and race performance can be imprecise and there is little up to date, Australian information on the suitability of this imaging, as well as how and what radiographic lesions may limit future racing performance.

Pre-sale radiographic examination of weanlings and yearlings are common in the thoroughbred industry. Patterns in the incidence of certain conditions, and possibly all conditions identified through radiography, are unclear.

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

• Preliminary discussions with industry expert veterinarians have identified the following points to be considered by this research: What is the incidence (frequency) of certain conditions or possibly of all conditions? Are there any patterns in the frequency?
• Assessment of associations between radiographic changes and race performance, particularly measures of quality outcomes
• Relative importance of radiographic changes in front fetlocks and pasterns versus hind fetlocks and pasterns.
• Relative importance of hock lesions eg changes in the tarsometatarsal joint vs distal intertarsal joint.
• Do plantar P1 fragments limit future soundness?
• Presence and severity of sclerosis associated with radiographic change and any association with prognosis for future performance?
• What conditions occur prior to weanling age and what changes occur from weanling to yearling age?

This study will help create an understanding of what radiographic lesions in thoroughbred yearlings and weanlings are significant in limiting future racing performance.

The successful individual or organisation is expected address the following:

• Use radiography images of horses from the 2014 to 2018 Classic, Magic Millions, Easter and Melbourne yearling sales.
• A total number of 7500 to 8000 images should be used.
• Summarise expert opinion on importance of radiographic lesions in yearling and weanling thoroughbred horses.
• Describe associations between radiographic lesions in young thoroughbreds and subsequent racing performance.
• Compare findings to international literature of radiography in yearling 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