A balanced view on the false claims made about horse racing
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False claims about horse racing are loud, emotional and often far from accurate.
At Kick Up we don’t shy away from sharing the full story—the good, the bad, and the misunderstood. Transparency and accuracy is at the heart of everything we do. We carefully research and cross-check our content, drawing from scientific papers, veterinary journals, and the lived experience of respected people within the industry.
Kick Up is for those open-minded enough to explore the facts before forming an opinion.
Your questions answered
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The question of whether Thoroughbred stallions are overused often arises due to reports of elite stallions covering up to 250 mares per season. However, focusing on the number of mating
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- Common concerns
- Common concerns
There are plenty of good reasons to house racehorses in stables, and none of them are to make it more convenient for humans. So, why are horses kept in stables
In 2022 Peta Australia said:
“Horses used for racing are victims of an industry that is rife with drug abuse.”
The Truth:
Horse racing in Australia is performance drug free. Just like human athletes, some medications are permitted in training, however horses are not allowed to race on drugs and are tested regularly under tight rules.
The Australian Greens website says:
“Whipping the horses over and over again inflicts physical and psychological pain and increases the likelihood of injury.”
The Truth:
Whips are made of padded foam and are not designed to inflict pain but to make a ‘popping’ sound on impact with the horse’s rump. Jockeys must conform to tight regulations on whip use, or they face harsh fines and bans. With public perception in mind, reform is ongoing and regulations are getting stricter each year.
Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses say:
“Over 10,000 racehorses are killed each year in abattoirs and slaughterhouses around Australia, simply because they didn’t earn enough.”
The Truth:
No horse is killed because they didn’t earn enough; a thoroughbred still has value to breed or as an athlete after racing.Basic mathematics tells us the Greens’ figure is categorically not true because on average, 17% of the in-training population – just under 6000 thoroughbreds – retire from racing in a year.
In addition it is against the rules of Racing NSW for a licensed participant to send a racehorse to an abattoir. In fact a study of the 2017/18 season showed that 28 racehorses died in abattoirs Australia-wide. While the RSPCA claims “about 9000 horses are sent to abattoirs each year” Australia-wide, not stating how many are thoroughbred racehorses.
Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses say:
“2-year-old racing is cruel. The horses are still physically immature and prone to injury. Many horses disappear altogether from racing early in their career as injuries render them worthless.”
The Truth:
Foals stand within one hour of birth and can gallop long distances within one week – in fact, 98% of growth is by two years of age. Studies show early exercise supports musculoskeletal development as the young bone remodels to pressure.
“Data shows that at least one start as a 2-year-old has a very strong positive affect on the longevity and success of a racehorse. It is absolute on all the data sets that the racing of 2-year-old thoroughbreds has no ill effect on the horses’ race-career longevity or quality.”
Peta Australia also said:
“Few racehorses are retired to pastures, because owners don’t want to pay for a horse who doesn’t bring in any money.”
The Truth:
Each year around 17% of the 35,000 racehorses in training in Australia are retired. Data shows 45% of those go to equestrian/pleasure riding homes, whilst 30% enter the breeding population. State racing bodies have made enormous investments in recent years in rehoming and retraining facilities.
Peta Australia claims:
“Many animals who can no longer race are euthanised or sold at auction to save the owners further veterinary fees and other expenses.”
The Truth:
Very occasionally horses are euthanised after sustaining severe fractures because of the complications involved in recovery. Most non-displaced fractures heal without issue and owners go to large expense to ensure the health and wellbeing of the horse.
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Cut through the noise and get the facts. The Kick Up Breeding Hub is your go-to source for myth-busting and horse-first insights into the world of Thoroughbred breeding. Whether you’re a racing fan, a curious critic, or just want to understand how breeding actually works it’s all here, explained in plain language with scientific backing.
