Our Industries_Racing_Horse Breeding

Our Industries - Racing and Horse-breeding

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Horse Race

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Horse Racing
Dog Racing
Breeding

Racing and Breeding

Western Australia’s horse and dog racing sector includes thoroughbred, harness, and greyhound racing, contributing significantly to regional economies, tourism, and employment. Managed by Racing and Wagering WA (RWWA), the sector supports trainers, jockeys, breeders, vets, and hospitality workers. It generates substantial wagering revenue, reinvested into industry development and animal welfare. Major race events are held in Perth and regional tracks. The sector is regulated for integrity and animal welfare, with growing public focus on ethical treatment and rehoming. Challenges include maintaining social licence and economic sustainability, while innovation, community engagement, and welfare improvements shape its future direction.

Western Australia’s horse and dog breeding sector supports the state’s racing, working, and companion animal industries. It involves selective breeding of thoroughbred, standardbred, and greyhound racing animals. The sector supports regional jobs and local economies through stud farms, veterinary services, and training facilities. Breeders follow industry regulations on animal health, genetics, and welfare. Challenges include maintaining breeding quality, biosecurity, and addressing public concerns about animal welfare. The sector is evolving with improved genetic practices, welfare standards, and a growing focus on responsible, ethical breeding and lifetime animal care.

Key roles shaping Western Australia’s racing and horse - breeding sectors

These roles reflect the breadth of occupational pathways in WA’s racing and breeding sectors—from hands - on horse care and athletic performance to breeding and technical trade work, all underpinned by rigorous training, regulation, and regional economic importance.

Workforce Demographics and Key Factors influencing the workforce

Racing in WA directly supports ~4,600 full - time equivalent (FTE) jobs, and together with breeding and other equine roles, totals approximately 8,500 jobs across thoroughbred, harness, and greyhound codes.
Around 24,000–15,300 individuals are involved in the racing industry as employees, participants or volunteers—some sources cite 24,000+ participants, others note 15,310 people in thoroughbred roles specifically.
In 2023 WA had 41 registered stallions covering 1,462 mares, producing 988 foals
Key roles include jockeys (median retirement age ~35), track riders, stable - hands, and farriers. Jockeys follow structured training via Certificate III/IV racing apprenticeships; farriery involves a 4 - year Certificate IV apprenticeship
Track riders are hard to recruit locally, often requiring visa - holders (e.g., TSS 482) due to fitness/skill requirements, and COVID - era border closures worsened shortages.
Growing focus on welfare has led to new roles and training: e.g., Off the Track programs, MRI/CT equine diagnostics, and emerging equine therapy professionals.
Many jockeys retire by age 34–35, and the sector faces barriers in attracting youth and retaining talent; age demographics skew older and male - dominated.
Stud farms, breeders, and sales events like Magic Millions drive significant investment. WA's foal crop remained around 988 in 2023

Training Package

RGR Racing and Breeding Training Package

Declared Apprenticeships and Traineeships

Racing Stablehand (Level 2) - RGR20221 Certificate II in Racing Industry
Racing Advanced Stablehand (Level 3) - RGR30218 Certificate III in Racing (Stablehand)
Racing Track Rider (Level 3) - RGR30518 Certificate III in Racing (Trackwork Rider)
Horse Breeder - RGR30619 Certificate III in Horse Breeding
Racing Jockey (Level 4) - RGR40221 Certificate IV in Racing (Jockey)
Racing Harness Driver (Level 4) - RGR40318 Certificate IV in Racing (Harness Race Driver)