Racing Victoria unveil new retirement farm program

Racing Victoria (RV) has unveiled a new program aimed at supporting retired racehorses by officially recognizing retirement farms across Victoria.

The program, known as the Acknowledged Retirement Farm, aims to provide owners and trainers with a reliable option for finding suitable homes for racehorses that are not suited for active post-racing careers.

Retirement farm providers that meet the program’s criteria, which emphasize the well-being of the horses, will receive official acknowledgement from RV.

“We are delighted to launch the Acknowledged Retirement Farm program, RV’s newest post-racing initiative which reinforces our ongoing commitment to equine welfare,” said Melissa Ware, RV’s General Manager – Equine Welfare.

“All thoroughbreds deserve a happy home once they have retired from racing, and by ensuring Acknowledged Retirement Farm providers meet the minimum welfare standards, owners can send their racehorses to these properties safe in the knowledge that they will be well cared for.”

The criteria for the program include an annual property inspection by RV’s Equine Welfare team and the requirement for providers to register all thoroughbreds under their care on the Off The Track Community platform.

In return, providers will enjoy several benefits such as promotion of their businesses through various channels, educational opportunities, social event tickets, and exclusive RV Acknowledged Retirement Farm merchandise.

RV encourages all individuals with agistment properties in Victoria to reach out to their Equine Welfare team to begin the application process and contribute to finding suitable homes for retired racehorses.