Thoroughbred Horses

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 horse at an Australian racing facility, reflecting the Thoroughbred horse industry and its breeding and training environment.

Latest news and events

Jonathan D'Arcy - Thoroughbred Horses Panel Chair
Thoroughbred Horses

Jonathan D’Arcy Appointed Chair of AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program Advisory Panel

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 program mares and foals, woman in paddock caring for horses
THOROUGHBRED HORSES / 13.03.26

Industry’s unsung heroes recognised as ATIEA shortlist revealed

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 horse mare and foal
THOROUGHBRED HORSES / 24.02.26

Improving the odds: Pinpointing the key factors in Thoroughbred pregnancy loss

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

Basil Nolan with Thoroughbred horse at Newmarket in the UK - part of the AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program Les Young Scholarship
THOROUGHBRED HORSES / 14.01.26

Basil Nolan’s Les Young Scholarship experience ‘a dream come true’

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.

7 min read