The Australian Racing Board today released the 2004/05 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 7th edition, our objective for the Fact Book has been to provide the best way to reference key racing industry data” Australian Racing Board Chairman, Andrew Ramsden, 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 direction of the industry in the future”.
The 2004/05 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 2745 race meeting were conducted by 391 race clubs in Australia during 2004/2005 – more locations than any other country. Some 31,037 horses ran in 19,968 races during the season.
Prizemoney – Prizemoney levels continued to increase across Australia, providing greater returns to owners. Total prizemoney during 2004/05 amounted to $362 million, an increase of over $17 million on the previous season. Western Australia had the largest percentage increase for a single State, with prizemoney rising by 12%, while the national increase was 5%.
Breeding – Australia has the second highest stallion and broodmare population behind the USA.
Sales – Yearling sale results reached new heights in 2004/05 with a record 4,837 yearlings going under the hammer for a record gross of $221,019,673 (an increase of 14.3% on the previous year). A new record price was also set for a yearling at an Australian public auction with a Redoute’s Choice/Tugela colt sold at the William Inglis & Son Easter yearling sale for $2.5 million.
Ownership – Sole ownership still remains the most popular form of ownership with over 5,300 horses registered this year with one owner.
Betting – Wagering turnover on thoroughbred racing showed positive growth in 2004/05 increasing by 4.9% to over $ 11.7 billion, the highest level in Australian gambling history. New South Wales remained Australia's leading wagering jurisdiction accounting for 33.4% of total thoroughbred wagering turnover.
Drug Control – Australia has a strict substance control policy and as a result only 0.16% of horses drug tested in 2004 were found positive to banned substances. During 2004 the four official racing laboratories in Australia (located in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth) analysed some 32,000 samples, an increase of 5% from 2003.
International – Australia accounts for 13% of individual starters of leading racing countries and offered the third largest amount of prizemoney in the world, behind the USA and Japan.
Copies of the Fact Book can be requested from the Australian Racing Board (arb@australian-racing.net.au) or downloaded from the website (www.australian-racing.net.au).
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