The Australian Racing Board today released the 2005/06 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 8th edition, our objective for the Fact Book has been to provide the best way to reference key racing industry data” Australian Racing Board Chairman, Bob Pearson, 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 future direction of the industry”.
The 2005/06 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 2752 race meetings were conducted by 379 race clubs in Australia during the 2005/2006 season, with some 31,248 horses running in 19,963 races during the season.
Prizemoney – Prizemoney levels continued to increase across Australia, providing greater returns to owners. Total prizemoney during 2005/06 amounted to $364 million, whilst the total returns to owners were over $414 million.
Breeding – Australia has the second highest breeding population behind the USA.
Sales – Yearling sale results reached new heights in 2005/06 with a record 4,914 yearlings going under the hammer for a record gross of $304,816,100 (an increase of 20.6% on the previous year). A new record price was also set for a yearling at an Australian public auction with a Redoute’s Choice/Deja Slew (USA) colt sold at the William Inglis & Son Easter yearling sale for $3 million.
Ownership – Sole ownership still remains the most popular form of ownership with over 5,180 horses registered this year with one owner.
Betting – Wagering turnover on thoroughbred racing during 2005/06 amounted to $11.67 billion. New South Wales remained Australia's leading wagering jurisdiction accounting for 32.1% of total thoroughbred wagering turnover.
Drug Control – Australia has a strict substance control policy. Only 0.17% of horses drug tested in 2005 were found positive to banned substances. During 2005 the four official racing laboratories in Australia (located in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth) analysed some 42,643 samples, an increase of 33% from 2004.
International – Australia accounts for 13% of races and 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 (racingassist@australian-racing.net.au) or downloaded from the website (www.australian-racing.net.au).
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