The Australian Racing Board has released the thirteenth 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 13th 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 Bentley, 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 2011 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 2,641 race meetings were conducted in Australia during the 2010/11 season, with some 31,181 horses running in 18,888 races during the season.
> Prizemoney - Prizemoney levels continued to increase across Australia, providing greater returns to owners. Total prizemoney during 2010/11 amounted to $428 million, whilst the total returns to owners were over $488 million.
> Breeding - There were 26,540 mares returned, resulting in 15,893 live foals born (59.9%)
> Sales - Yearling sale results in 2010/11 ended with 4,646 yearlings going under the hammer for a record gross of $246,880,314. The highest selling yearling at an Australian public auction for the season was a Redoute’s Choice / Sunday Joy colt sold at the Magic Millions yearling sale at the Gold Coast for $1.15 million.
> Betting - Wagering turnover on thoroughbred racing during 2010/11 amounted to $14.39 billion.
Copies of the Fact Book can be requested from the Australian Racing Board jhoward@australianracingboard.com.au or downloaded from the ARB’s website www.australianracingboard.com.au.
