188 ICRAV 2026 1. Equine Genetics Research Centre, Racing Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia 2. Equine Welfare and Traceability, Racing Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia 3. Animal Welfare Department, Racing WA, Osborne Park, WA, Australia 4. Thoroughbred Racing Northern Territory, Darwin, NT, Australia 5. Veterinary Services & Animal Welfare, Racing Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia 6. Veterinary Department, Racing NSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia 7. Equine Welfare, Racing Victoria, Flemington, VIC, Australia 8. Equine Genetics Research Centre, Racing Australia, Scone, NSW, Australia 9. Veterinary Services & Animal Welfare, Tasracing, Elwick, TAS, Australia 10. J Krawczyk, Anglers Rest, VIC, Australia 11. Equine Genetics & Genomics Group, School of Life & Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia 12. Equine Department, Hartpury University, Gloucester, United Kingdom ABSTRACT The Thoroughbred industry in Australia is the second largest in the world, both in terms of breeding and races held. The Thoroughbred industry and wider community maintain an interest in the wellbeing of racehorses before, during and after their racing careers. There are currently gaps in knowledge about perception of and demand for retired racehorses. To address these gaps, this project will use statistical analyses and consultation with industry to understand the current demand for Thoroughbreds. Using data that are available, models will be developed to accurately describe the horses leaving the industry, and determine whether there are modifiable factors associated with measures of success of those horses in their new homes. A survey will delve into the perceptions horse owners have of Thoroughbreds to gain insight into how owning a retired Thoroughbred could be made more attractive to everyone. The survey will also explore horse owners’ knowledge of the currently available support for retired racehorses, and investigate what barriers exist and what further support could be provided for people that rehome or retrain retired Thoroughbreds. Natasha A Hamilton1, Karen Day2, Lizzie Auld3, Ella Baird4, Karen Caldwell5, Kim Duffy5, Kay Fuller3, Carly Garling6, Cara Holland7, Ceilidh Jenkins8, Martin F Lenz9, Caroline McMullen3, Claire McRedmond6, Taelor Mackenzie8, Paige Mantynen2, Anna Smet3, Melissa V Ware7, Jennifer Krawczyk10, Brandon D Velie11, Jane M Williams12 Developing a Strategy to Increase Demand for Retired Thoroughbreds in Australia
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