Industry Notice: Understanding thoroughbred traceability rules

Tuesday 6 May, 2025

Strong thoroughbred traceability practices are essential to ensuring animal welfare and the sustainability of the racing industry.

All thoroughbred owners and trainers are required to understand and fulfil their traceability obligations under the Rules of Racing.

Under Racing Australia’s rules, the manager or an authorised agent must notify Racing Australia within 7 days of the decision to retire a registered racehorse or not commence racing of a horse.

Licensees must also notify:

  • the death of a named horse within 24 hours of their death
  • the death of an unnamed horse within 48 hours of their death.

Chief Steward of Thoroughbreds Josh Adams reminds participants you must not dispose of a deceased horse without the written approval of Racing Australia or the QRIC Stewards, unless a veterinary certificate as to cause of death is provided to Racing Australia or QRIC Stewards.

“Compliance with these rules is crucial to ensure the long-term sustainability and maintain public confidence in the racing industry,” Mr Adams said.

“It’s imperative that licensees abide by these rules to ensure the whereabouts of racehorses throughout their lives, including after racing can be traced.

“The rules also support traceability in the event of a biosecurity or emergency disease outbreak. So, it’s important that all owners and trainers report or notify within the timeframes outlined above.”

All thoroughbred owners and trainers are reminded of their requirement to comply with the Rules of Racing and their obligations to report under these rules.

Owners and trainers identified as non-compliant will be referred to the QRIC Stewards for further investigation and penalty.

Penalties for non-compliance include monetary fines and suspension from participation in racing activities in Queensland.

The QRIC is currently contacting trainers about the whereabouts of their horses, in particular those horses that have not raced or have been spelling for more than six months.

Please notify Racing Australia about changes to the status of a named horse, as outlined in the rule below.

AR300 Status update for a named horse

(1) Within 7 days of a named horse not having been the subject of any activity with Racing Australia or a PRA for a period of 6 consecutive months, the manager or his or her authorised agent must notify Racing Australia of the following matters by lodging the relevant form (including a stable return where applicable) prescribed by Racing Australia:

                                       (a) the current status of the horse

                                       (b) the location of the horse and

                                       (c) any other matters in respect of which a form should have been lodged or a
                                             notification should have been made under any rule in this Part 14 in the six
                                             month period.

(2) Prior to the horse reaching the 6-month period of inactivity referred to in subrule (1), Racing Australia will notify the manager or his or her authorised agent of the upcoming notification requirement.

(3) For the purposes of this rule, “activity” includes but is not limited to the lodgement or notification of a stable return, nomination, scratching, transfer of ownership, change of location, retirement from racing or death.

How to notify of retirement or death

Owners and trainers can lodge a notification:

For assistance contact Racing Australia on 1800 138 704.

If you require more information about your obligations under AR300, please contact welfare@qric.qld.gov.au or email Racing Australia traceability@racingaustralia.horse.