Retirement and death obligations – thoroughbred
Every racehorse owner and trainer will face the time when their racehorse comes to the end of its racing career.
Under the Australian Rules of Racing, Racing Australia (RA) must be notified of the retirement or death of a racehorse.
Lodgement of the notification helps Racing Australia (RA) and the Principal Racing Authorities (PRAs) track horses following their retirement from the industry to ensure appropriate welfare outcomes.
A copy of the Rules of Racing is available on Racing Australia’s website.
Retirement of a horse
Named horse
When the decision has been made to retire the horse, the manager or his or her authorised agent must notify Racing Australia within 7 days by lodging the relevant form.*
Unnamed horse
When the decision has been made to not commence racing the horse, the manager or his or her authorised agent must notify Racing Australia within 7 days by lodging the relevant form.*
*This applies if the horse has been domiciled for the majority of its life in a state or territory other than NSW/ACT.
Important reminder: All options listed on the Retirement and Death form are valid and acceptable under both the law and the rules of racing so please ensure you fill them in completely and accurately including the outgoing destination for any horses that are leaving your care.
Death of a horse
Named horse
The manager or his or her authorised agent must notify Racing Australia of the horse’s death within 24 hours by lodging the relevant form.*
Unnamed horse
The manager or his or her authorised agent must notify Racing Australia of the horse’s death within 48 hours by lodging the relevant form.*
*This applies if the horse has been domiciled for the majority of its life in a state or territory other than NSW/ACT.
Important reminder: All options listed on the Retirement and Death form are valid and acceptable under both the law and the rules of racing so please ensure you fill them in completely and accurately including the outgoing destination for any horses that are leaving your care.
Disposing of a carcass
A horse must not be disposed of without the written approval of RA or the relevant PRA unless a veterinary certificate is provided to Racing Australia or the relevant PRA.
You must email Stewards@qric.qld.gov.au for approval of disposal without a veterinary certificate.
How to lodge the forms
Completed notifications can be lodged with RA:
• Online at www.myhorseracing.horse
• Post to RA Service Centre, Level 1, 400 Epsom Road, Flemington VIC 3031.
• Email to traceability@racingaustralia.horse
Stable returns
A trainer must lodge a stable return immediately upon a horse joining their stable, and lodge an immediate amendment to a stable return if any particulars change.
Resources
- Thoroughbred retirement and death obligations brochure Download