Racing SA Offers Qualified Drought Support

With feed prices soaring and pastures withering under drought conditions, Racing South Australia has stepped in to offer critical support for retired thoroughbreds through a targeted assistance package. Aimed at easing the burden on those who care for these horses in South Australia, the drought relief package provides financial aid for feed, hay or silage, helping ensure the well-being of animals no longer in training or breeding careers. According to racingsa.com.au, the scheme is open to Racing SA licensed participants, acknowledged retrainers and affiliated sanctuaries that directly manage the daily care of South Australian registered thoroughbreds. Each eligible applicant can receive $300 per horse, with a cap of $6000 per applicant. To qualify, the horses must be officially retired, inactive broodmares as defined in the stud book, and must have been based in South Australia for at least 30 days. They also need to be under the full financial responsibility of one of the approved Racing SA participants or organisations. Applications are now open via the Racing SA website, with a deadline of 30 June 2025 for submissions. For those who fall outside the eligibility criteria but are still experiencing financial difficulty, Racing SA’s Thorough Care SA welfare team may offer emergency assistance on a case-by-case basis. This team, which oversees the distribution of the drought relief package, also manages a broad suite of programs including rehoming pathways, post-racing support, exclusion lists, clinics, and educational outreach. The assistance package is made possible through a 1% deduction from prizemoney, specifically allocated to sustain equine welfare initiatives across the state. Racing SA Industry Operations & Welfare Manager John Cornell acknowledged the ongoing challenges: “We know how tough the conditions are out there. Despite a small amount of rain recently there still isn’t much feed on the ground and the price of everything has gone up across the board. Not only is hay expensive but it is difficult to source right now and in many instances our participants are getting it from across the border.” Cornell explained, “Racing SA is in a position thanks to a 1% deduction of prizemoney to provide support to our licensed participants and retired South Australian thoroughbreds, and I encourage those experiencing hardship to apply for the drought relief support package. Applications go direct to our Thorough Care SA welfare team who can answer questions or any queries you may have. Our industry participants do such a good job looking after thoroughbreds in retirement, and this is an opportunity to return the support.”