Racing Victoria tops $50m in equine welfare investment
Racing Victoria has surpassed $50 million in equine welfare investment since 2017 after committing a further $5.55 million to welfare programs during the 2025-26 financial year.
The governing body said the latest funding supported initiatives aimed at reducing injury risk, improving post-racing outcomes and strengthening emergency support for thoroughbreds, while also driving record participation in Off The Track (OTT) programs.
“RV’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of equine welfare throughout every stage of a thoroughbred’s life remains unwavering,” Racing Victoria CEO Aaron Morrison said in a statement.
“Equine welfare is central to our decision-making and continues to underpin the development of all policies, programs and initiatives.”
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One of the standout outcomes was a 16% increase in thoroughbred entries at Off The Track-sponsored events, with a record 6,157 entries during FY26. Retired racehorses also accounted for almost half of all competitors at June’s Melbourne International Three Day Event, highlighting growing demand for thoroughbreds beyond racing.
Racing Victoria also credited Australia’s first Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scanner with helping reinforce its veterinary protocols, contributing to a fifth consecutive Melbourne Cup, Caulfield Cup and Cox Plate carnival without a serious injury.
The investment also provided emergency assistance to more than 600 thoroughbreds affected by January’s Victorian bushfires, with almost $150,000 allocated from the welfare fund to cover relocation, feed, transport and emergency stabling.
Other initiatives included subsidised diagnostic imaging for 133 racehorses, almost doubling the number of subsidised OTT education clinics to 94, and expanding the network of acknowledged post-racing providers to more than 50, including Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Michelle Payne joining as an acknowledged rehomer.
Looking ahead, Racing Victoria plans to expand its Off The Track Carnival, develop a new Owners Transition Framework and begin work on its next Equine Welfare Strategic Plan, while continuing investment in veterinary technology and post-racing pathways for retired thoroughbreds.
