Cover image courtesy of The University of Sydney
A team at the University of Sydney is seeking insights from thoroughbred industry participants about safety nets for at-risk retired thoroughbreds. Our readers are encouraged to fill out their survey and share your thoughts on what we could do better to support our athletes after they retire.
The confidential survey is part of a project designed by University of Sydney researchers Maris Beck, Dr Bidda Jones, and Professor Phil McManus, to examine how to provide a better safety net for retired thoroughbreds, particularly those at higher risk of not landing on their feet after their careers on the track finish.
While Australian principal racing authorities (PRAs) all make provisions for equine welfare and retired racehorses, there are always thoroughbreds that slip through the cracks; they may be harder to rehome, have little or no prospect of a second career, or be ineligible for current incentives, due to geography or racing history. These are the horses most at risk of neglect, abuse, and entering the slaughter pipeline.
Gallery: Researchers from The University of Sydney
In 2021, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Welfare Working Group released their ‘The Most Important Participant’ report which culminated in suggestions for a new, comprehensive framework for assuring thoroughbred welfare in Australia.
As part of the report, the TAWWG acknowledged that the industry does, as a whole, care about the social license of the sport and understands its necessity for the industry to continue to operate.
One of the TAWWG panel’s warnings within the report resonated with many involved with thoroughbreds; “The very future of the Australian thoroughbred industry is at risk if lifelong horse welfare is not addressed.”
“The very future of the Australian thoroughbred industry is at risk if lifelong horse welfare is not addressed.” - TAWWG Panel
It’s with this in mind that the research team is using economic perspectives to explore how we can better protect thoroughbreds as they leave racing - and therefore better protect our social license.
“The industry has said, ‘we want to earn our social license’,” Beck said. “‘We want to do better on this’. But questions remain about the funding – how much is needed and who is willing to contribute?” The survey asks about different safety net funding options.
The University of Sydney survey takes 15-20 minutes to complete and is entirely confidential. Participants can elect to be contacted for follow-up interviews if they have more to share. The research team is interested in hearing all perspectives on the topic.
Please note that the survey only works in Australia.
