The Australian Thoroughbred breeding industry contributes more than $1.68 billion to the national economy each year and is the second largest in the world. The AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program invests in high-impact research, development and extension (RD&E) to improve the sustainability, productivity and global competitiveness of the Australian Thoroughbred industry.
Thoroughbred Horses AgriFutures Australia has appointed Jonathan D’Arcy as Chair of the Thoroughbred Horses Program Advisory Panel, bringing more than 45 years of experience across the Australian Thoroughbred industry to the role.
3 min read
THOROUGHBRED HORSES / 13.03.26 The shortlist has been announced for the 2026 Australian Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards (ATIEA), recognising the outstanding people who work across Australia’s thoroughbred breeding and racing sectors.
4 min read
THOROUGHBRED HORSES / 24.02.26 The covering season has wrapped up for the year, but how do we ensure we maximise the number of mares carry their pregnancies to full term? The AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program has been working hard to demystify the full picture around equine abortions. The Program has been undertaking a multi-stage project, The pathology and epidemiology of equine pregnancy loss, to enhance the industry’s knowledge of what causes abortion, and as they enter the next phase, they expand the project’s reach to encompass the breeding industry in Queensland.
8 min read
THOROUGHBRED HORSES / 14.01.26 When fourth-generation Queensland Thoroughbred breeder, Basil Nolan, arrived at the prestigious UK National Stud in Newmarket in January 2025 he embraced the chance to immerse himself in the rich heritage of the British Thoroughbred industry. What he discovered was more than just world-class breeders and bloodlines – it was a life-changing mix of learning, network-building and experiences that will shape his stewardship of his family’s Thoroughbred breeding legacy.
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This document represents the first comprehensive resource providing detailed guidance on the management and treatment of common bacterial diseases in horses in Australia. Key highlights...
Publication / 4 Pages
The Thoroughbred industry in Australia is the second largest in the world, both in terms of breeding and the number of races held. The industry...
Publication / 4 Pages
The requirement for increased antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) across all industries and the knowledge that sub-optimal prescribing occurs in the veterinary industry dictates that work to...
Publication / 4 Pages
Antimicrobials are commonly used to treat equine infections, but complications with therapy are also relatively common. Antimicrobial-associated diarrhoea (Section 6), immune mediated diseases and nephrotoxicity...
Publication / 260 Pages
Radiography is a key part of stakeholder decision-making when buying, selling and managing Thoroughbred yearlings. In Australia, a standard set of radiographs obtained within 42...
Publication / 6 Pages
Salmonella is an important intestinal infection of horses of all ages, and can cause colic, diarrhoea, generalised illness and death. Horses infected with Salmonella frequently need intensive treatment...
Publication / 4 Pages
Salmonella infection can result in major health consequences in horses. The recommendations drawn from this study are crucial for improving biosecurity measures and infection control practices...
Publication / 44 Pages
The Australian thoroughbred breeding industry is the second-largest in the world and makes a substantial economic and social contribution to the country. Research capturing the...
Publication / 8 Pages
The Australian thoroughbred breeding industry contributes nearly $1.68 billion annually to the Australian economy and provides full-time employment for over 9,000 people, predominantly in rural...
Publication / 50 Pages
TBA Learning is the Australian thoroughbred breeding industry’s home for online learning. This dedicated learning platform, owned and managed by Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA), supports...
Publication / 6 Pages
Each thoroughbred breeding region has unique characteristics, so it is crucial to have accurate information specific to each state. Information acquired from the Australian Stud...
Publication / 4 Pages
The Australian thoroughbred breeding industry is a significant contributor to the national economy, generating more than $1.16 billion annually. As the second-largest industry of its...
Publication / 48 Pages
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The University of Queensland
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The Australian Veterinary Association Ltd
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Thoroughbred Breeders Victoria
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AgEconPlus Pty Ltd
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Cumbre Consulting
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The University of Queensland
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AgEconPlus Pty Ltd
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The University of Melbourne
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The University of Queensland
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Charles Sturt University
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Racing Australia Limited
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The University of Newcastle
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The University of Newcastle
May 2019 - May 2022
The University of Melbourne
May 2019 - December 2020
(DPI) The Crown in right of the State of New South Wales acting through the Department of Primary Industries within Regional NSW
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La Trobe University
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The University of Melbourne
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Charles Sturt University
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The University of Melbourne
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Charles Sturt University
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The University of Melbourne
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The University of Melbourne
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University of the Sunshine Coast
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The University of Melbourne
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The University of Newcastle
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Agtrans Research
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The Australian Veterinary Association Ltd
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McFarlane Strategic Services
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The University of Queensland
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The AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program invests in targeted research, development and extension (RD&E) to strengthen the sustainability, productivity and global competitiveness of the Australian thoroughbred industry.
The program supports high-impact projects across four key priority areas:
Guided by the AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program Strategic RD&E Plan, research priorities are carefully identified and balanced to deliver outcomes that enhance industry productivity, profitability and long-term sustainability.
Download the AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program Strategic RD&E Plan 2022-2027
The Australian thoroughbred horse industry operates under a statutory levy of $10 per mare return and $10 per stallion cover, paid by the breeder who lodges a mare return or stallion declaration of service with Racing Australia. Levy funds are allocated to research, development and extension (RD&E) projects that support the long-term growth and sustainability of the industry.
Levies are collected under the Primary Industries Levies and Charges Acts and can fund biosecurity, residue testing, marketing, and RD&E. For thoroughbred horses, AgriFutures Australia invests the RD&E levy in line with the industry’s Strategic Plan and receives Commonwealth matching funding (up to 50c per dollar of eligible expenditure), along with third-party contributions.
Find out more about your levy
View the Thoroughbred Horses Annual Report summary
Continued investment in thoroughbred horses research is essential to building an efficient breeding system and enhancing the global competitiveness of the Australian thoroughbred industry.
The AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program works closely with breeders, industry associations and the Thoroughbred Horses Advisory Panel to identify research priorities and direct program investments where they will deliver the greatest impact. This collaborative approach supports sustainable horse breeding, stronger industry performance, and long-term growth for the sector.
Learn about the Agrifutures Thoroughbred Horses Advisory Panel
Visit Thoroughbred Breeders Australia
The AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program invests in research, development and extension (RD&E) to improve the sustainability, productivity and competitiveness of the Australian thoroughbred breeding industry. The program supports innovation in breeding, welfare, biosecurity, industry sustainability, workforce development, and disease management to ensure the industry remains globally competitive.
The Thoroughbred Horses RD&E Plan (2022–2027) identifies four key priorities:
Read the full Thoroughbred Horses RD&E Plan
See the Thoroughbred Horses Industry Blueprint
Welfare underpins the industry’s social license and long-term sustainability. Improving the welfare of horses and the safety of those who work with them is one of four strategic priorities, alongside breeding efficiency, biosecurity, and sustainability. The program invests in research and best practice guidelines that support equine wellbeing across the horse’s life, from breeding and training to rehoming, while also enhancing workforce safety and community trust. This commitment ensures the industry remains responsive to public expectations and capable of attracting and retaining skilled workers.
The program is funded through a statutory R&D levy of \$10 per mare covered and \$10 per mare returned, paid by stallion and broodmare owners. For every dollar of eligible expenditure from the industry levy, AgriFutures commits to securing 50 cents in Commonwealth funding, effectively doubling the investment in research and development. This is supplemented by third-party industry contributions.
Learn more about your Thoroughbred Horses LevyLearn more: About Your Thoroughbred Horses Levy.
Current projects include:
The Australian thoroughbred breeding industry contributes \$1.68 billion annually to the national economy and supports over 9,000 full-time equivalent jobs, primarily in rural and regional areas.
If you’re passionate about thoroughbred horse research or thoroughbred breeding in Australia, we’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re a thoroughbred breeder, researcher, or interested in being involved in the Australian thoroughbred industry, reach out to the AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program.
For project-related inquiries:
Caitlin Smith
Manager, Levied & Emerging Industries – Thoroughbred Horses Program
0407 987 738
Mia Lorber-Hughes
Coordinator, Levied & Emerging Industries – Thoroughbred Horses Program
0437 811 347
For industry and strategic issues and inquiries:
Amanda Olthof
Senior Manager, Levied & Emerging Industries – Thoroughbred Horses Program
0499 384 037
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