Racing industry
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The racing industry in Australia generates more than $10 billion annually (2004 figures) and it creates approximately 92,000 full-time equivalent jobs. Australian-bred horses and Australian animal husbandry practices are highly regarded internationally and the industry operates in a niche export area with high growth potential.
The industry revolves around the concepts of breeding, owning, training, and racing animals in industry-regulated competition. In Australia the racing industry has three codes: Thoroughbred, Harness and Greyhound.
Horses compete in an annual calendar of races organised by 533 race clubs across the country. Greyhounds compete at 85 different locations across the country. In 2004, prize money in excess of 500 million dollars was allocated across the three codes of racing.
The industry is coordinated on a national basis by bodies such as the Australian Racing Board (Thoroughbred), Greyhounds Australasia and the Australian Harness Racing Council (Standardbreds).
Each state has its own minister for racing and its own governing body. The governing bodies receive most of their operational funding from state government sources and/or through privatisation of the industry. The racing industry is connected to Totalisator Agency Boards (TABs) established under state and territory legislation. A portion of turnover is returned to the industry for prize money and running costs.
The industry operates under the Australian rules of racing and/or local rules of racing. These rules have evolved from the history and tradition of the sport, particularly in the thoroughbred part of the industry.
Since the industry relies on public support through wagering, the industry must have rules and procedures that ensure public confidence in the integrity of the industry. Stipendiary stewards are responsible for maintaining integrity and applying the rules of racing to those in the industry.
Participation in the industry for certain occupations is regulated by a licensing system, controlled by the industry in each state and territory.
Licences, registrations, and permits cover occupations such as jockeys, trainers, kennel attendants and harness drivers.
Independent boards and tribunals exist to deal with breaches of the rules and appeals against fines, suspensions and disqualifications imposed on licensed personnel.
The overall presentation of racing covers broad areas:
The Racing Training Package (RGR08) covers the three codes of the racing industry: thoroughbred, harness and greyhound. The package delivers training for stable-hands, attendants, owners, trainers, jockeys, and drivers of horses and dogs.
Standing standing committee web page
Racing Training Package RGR08
The introduction of national certification for the racing industry has brought licensing and qualifications closer together. Many states and codes are using national qualifications or statements of attainment as mandatory requirements in the licensing process of new entrants to the industry and those seeking to upgrade licenses.
Vocational training in the racing industry traditionally covers:
- Apprentice jockeys and harness drivers
- Thoroughbred and harness trainers
- Track-work riders
- Stable-hands and stable foremen
- Greyhound trainers
Training is expanding to cover:
- Stewards (three codes)
- Race-day staff
- Racing-club staff
- Owners
- Breeding and stud management
- Management of pre-training and spelling establishments
- Animal welfare
- Environment
- Farriers
- Turf and track maintenance
- Amenity horticulture (landscape and gardens on courses)
- Preparation and sale of food and beverages including food safety