Record-breaking trends in Australia

The industry finished 2021 with a bang.

In the first full season since it changed to a calendar year cycle, there were 14,720 races run, the highest since the 2013/14 season.

The number of individual starters at 9,819 was the best since 2017/18 and those runners had a combined total of 130,519 starts, the most since season 2014/15.

Underlining the success of the new ratings-based handicapping system in most jurisdictions, horses are racing more often, too. Remarkably, the average of 13.3 starts per horse last season was the highest since records started being kept back in 1993/94. The average prizemoney per starter of $14,192 was also the highest in that time frame.

There were 5,970 individual winners across Australia last season, the most since 2013/14.

These outstanding results come on the back of the new breeding regulations and futurity enhancements introduced in season 2020/21, which sparked a record breeding season.

“These results have not happened by accident or due to tinkering. HRA has delivered substantive industry reform in the way of National Ratings in most states and the change to a calendar season of racing, which were designed to bring about more competitive racing, enhance the racing opportunities, improve foal crop utilisation and a more even spread of returns across the industry,” HRA CEO Andrew Kelly said.

“Just as important for such a successful season and record-breaking trends has been the implementation and prizemoney returns by HRA members and the manner in which the industry participants have embraced the evolution of these key pillars.

“One of the most pleasing aspects has been the utilisation of the crop in 2021. This not only has a positive effect on the number of races which can be run and number of horses who run in them, which is critical for wagering, but also the positive welfare outcomes with more standardbreds fulfilling their potential and gracing a racetrack.”

The exciting growth comes at a great time with so many upcoming Yearling Sales:

• APG Melbourne – 6 February
• Nutrien Equine Sydney – 20 February
• APG Perth – 27 February
• Tasmanian Harness Yearling Sale – 5 March
• APG Sydney – 6 March
• Bathurst Gold Crown Yearling Sale – 22 March
• Redcliffe Harness Racing Club Yearling Sale – 27 March
• Silver Salver SA Yearling Sale – March 27
• Nutrien Equine Melbourne – 3 April

The underlying success story of 2021 is the boom of Australian-bred horses. The key metrics included:

2YO PACERS

• 36 per cent starters to crop size – up nine per cent on the previous full 12 months and a jump of 11 per cent on the previous 10-year average

• 1209 starters were up five per cent on the previous full 12 months and 96 more starters than the previous 10-year average (1113). It’s up 177 on the previous seven-year average

• 16 per cent winners to crop – a five per cent jump than the previous full 12 months and a stunning 100 per cent increase on the previous 10-year average of eight per cent
• 545 winners – 140 more than the previous full 12 months and a thumping 154 jump on the previous 10-year average of 391

3YO PACERS

• 47 per cent starters to crop size – up two per cent on the previous 12 months and eight per cent on the previous 10-year average

• 29 per cent winners to crop – an eight per cent increase than the previous full 12 months and 11 per cent above the previous 10-year average (18 per cent)
• 985 winners – 32 more than the previous full 12 months and 76 above the previous 10-year average (909)

TROTTERS

• 2021 saw 1613 trotting races run around Australia with total prizemoney of $16.3 million. That’s an increase of over 200 races on the previous 12 months and the most trotting races run in 20 years

The full suite of 2021 Industry Statistics can be found by clicking here.

By Adam Hamilton for HRA