News

Australian Racing Fact Book: Eleventh Edition

20th Dec 2009

Australian Racing Board - Media Release - Friday, 18 December 2009

The Australian Racing Board today released the eleventh edition of the Australian Racing Fact Book, its annual reference guide to the Australian thoroughbred racing industry.

“There is a consistently high level of demand for records relating to the health and performance of the industry. Since first being published in 1999, and with this the 11th edition, our objective for the Fact Book has been to provide the best way to reference key racing industry data” Australian Racing Board Chairman, Bob Bentley, said today.

“In providing a statistical and pictorial account of the past racing season the Fact Book gives us the chance to look back on the many great achievements both on and off the racetrack, while the inclusion this year of greater trend analysis will assist decision makers to shape the future direction of the industry”.

The 2009 edition assembles a range of useful facts and figures as a handy guide to any person seeking information on major aspects of the industry, including: -

• Racing – A total of 2,681 race meetings were conducted in Australia during the 2008/2009 season, with some 31,659 horses running in 19,438 races during the season.

• Prizemoney – Prizemoney levels continued to increase across Australia, providing greater returns to owners. Total prizemoney during 2008/09 amounted to $421 million, whilst the total returns to owners were over $471 million.

• Breeding – There were 28,134 mares returned, resulting in 16,112 live foals born (57.3%)

• Sales – Yearling sale results in 2008/09 ended with 4,730 yearlings going under the hammer for a record gross of $244,733,852. The highest selling yearling at an Australian public auction for the season was an Encosta de Lago / Surrealist colt sold at the Magic Millions on the Gold Coast yearling sale for $2 million.

• Ownership – Sole ownership still remains the most popular form of ownership with over 5,720 horses registered this year with one owner.

• Betting – Wagering turnover on thoroughbred racing during 2008/09 amounted to $14.43 billion.

Copies of the Fact Book can be requested from the Australian Racing Board (jhoward@australianracingboard.com.au) or downloaded from our website (www.australianracingboard.com.au).