Cover image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan
We have a generational opportunity to invest in the long-term future and legacy of the industry. If I was tasked with investing $30 million it would be directed to areas where it could make the most impact to the sustainability of the entire thoroughbred racing and breeding industry.
That is investment that can benefit all participants nationally, today, but also ensure viability long-term.
The greatest threat to our industry’s ecosystem is perception. The way in which the industry is regarded, understood and recognised by the community. Our social license is issued by society, it is not a right and therefore needs to be maintained and cultivated.
Vin Cox | Image courtesy of Bronwen Healy
Perception is not a threat to one individual state over another, it’s a complex multifaceted issue that the industry faces Australia-wide. When I say perception, this is not limited to one theme. The industry faces numerous and significant perception issues, most notably equine welfare, infrastructure, education/training and ultimately employment.
I count myself as fortunate to have decades of lived experience working across domestic and international jurisdictions in various roles in racing and breeding. If the threat is national – then surely the solution via strategy, policy development, funding and implementation – must also be national.
The simple truth is such transparent mechanisms are not currently in place to enable the most effective and functional decision making on matters such as advocacy, welfare, education, training and infrastructure - and as a result who is looking after the national interest?
Godolphin horses doing trackwork | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan
Like any healthy ecosystem, the industry cannot continue to thrive if fundamental areas are overlooked. Our industry is world-leading in prizemoney growth yet we are all hearing daily stories about commercial and integrity resources being stretched beyond their maximum. With the perception of low pay and long hours there is a current and future skilled staffing crisis across studs, stables and also with raceday officials. Visibly, something is not healthy within the foundation of racing, and we must work together in identifying and addressing these issues in order to ensure the long-term sustainability of our industry moving forward.
There’s an old saying that the best leaders choose to listen, then act. We have a tremendous amount of passionate and highly talented people in the industry that can make a difference if allowed a seat at the table and a voice in the vote. The consultation of relevant stakeholders is entirely imperative to effective governance. The dysfunctional nature of our national administration is negatively impacting perception within and outside the industry.
Godolphin stable staff at the trials | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan
Competition is healthy, but the matter of industry sustainability amongst states doesn’t need to be a competition. The Australian racing and breeding industry will be stronger and be here for longer when we decide to work together and permit funding decisions that provide more opportunity for collective advocacy and growth.
If we can listen beyond our own backyard and self-interest, we can get in the long term game. Now.
