Racing NSW and Equestrian Australia have formalised a five-year partnership aimed at improving the transition of retired Thoroughbreds from racing into equestrian sport.
The agreement brings together the body responsible for Thoroughbred racing in New South Wales and Australia's national governing body for equestrian sport, with a focus on supporting horses and their new owners after racing careers end.
A central part of the partnership will be the development of a horse registration and traceability platform. The organisations intend to improve the ability to track Thoroughbreds as they move from racing into equestrian homes and disciplines.
A digital education hub is also planned, providing information for riders and owners considering retired racehorses. Resources will cover areas including buying and selling Thoroughbreds, ownership, retraining and ongoing care.
The initiative is intended to give prospective owners greater access to information about a horse's history while helping them understand the requirements involved in transitioning former racehorses into new disciplines.
Racing NSW and Equestrian Australia will also work together at major equestrian events to promote the use of Thoroughbreds and provide educational initiatives for the equestrian community.
The five-year agreement includes ongoing operational and promotional support for Equimillion, Racing NSW's competition for retired Thoroughbreds participating in equestrian sport. The event will continue to operate under Equestrian Australia rules.
Beyond horse welfare, the partnership will promote employment, education and professional opportunities across the wider Thoroughbred industry, including roles outside racing itself.
The organisations said closer links between racing and equestrian communities could help increase demand for retired racehorses while providing owners and riders with more resources to manage their transition into second careers.
Graeme Hinton was recently appointed Racing NSW CEO and will formally take up the role on 1 December
