State launches horse, greyhound racing review

The Queensland government has launched its review into horse and greyhound racing in the state, expecting the committee to boost sustainability for the industry.

Sport and Racing Minister Tim Mander said three experts with links to different parts of the racing industry – including – harness and thoroughbred horse racing, and greyhound racing – had been appointed as committee members.

“This is the most comprehensive review across all three codes to be carried out in Queensland, and it is imperative that we have a variety of experience and viewpoints involved,” he said.

The Queensland governemnt has launched a review into the state’s horse and greyhound racing, promising to ensure both the industry’s future and high standards of animal welfare.Credit: Michael McInally/Racing Queensland

Members include barrister Scott Neaves, Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) steward Kym Daly and communications specialist and licensed greyhound trainer Lynette Keep.

The committee chair, Matthew McGrath, was appointed in February, and is the former chair of the Australian Turf Club – Sydney’s thoroughbred horse racing body.

Mander said the review would be complete by late 2025, with the committee expected to review more than 1200 submissions received from the community and industry between March 1 and April 7 this year.

“The contributions have helped shape the terms of reference and will guide more targeted discussions,” Mander said.

“It’s important that we get this right, so racing will continue to flourish and grow for decades to come.”

Racing Queensland welcomed the review, supporting “the Government’s commitment to strengthening the Queensland racing industry”.

Concerns for animals in the racing industry have been an ongoing concern for a slew of animal welfare groups, such as the RSPCA, Animals Australia, and the Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds.

Animal welfare groups have called for an end to greyhound racing, and the Coalition for th Protection of Greyhounds said the report must consider phasing out the sport.Credit: Wolter Peeters

Queensland’s newest greyhound racing track in Ipswich, The Q, was expected to officially open on June 8, promising to meet “the highest standards of animal care”.

The Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds alleges that five greyhounds have already died in racing trials at the track beginning from March.

In its submission to the review, it has called for the state to stop building new racing infrastructure, reduce government funding for the sport, and consider ending racing entirely.

“The review has to include the possibility of phasing out greyhound racing,” said CGP president and former Greens state member for South Brisbane Amy MacMahon.

“We’ve just seen New Zealand phase out greyhound racing because of the rate of animal injuries, but the stats in Australia are worse.”

The QRIC’s recorded almost 500 injures in racing industry greyhounds across three months from October to December last year, of which 50 where deemed “serious” and eight were fatal.

A further 90 dogs died or were euthanised because of issues not linked to old age or illness, and almost 300 dogs were retired – going to new homes, breeding programs, living with trainers, or being adopted out.

The QRIC’s most recent equine lifecycle and on-track injury report, covering the 2023-24 financial year, recorded 292 thoroughbreds and 52 standardbreds – which are used for harness racing – died.

In that same period, over 3300 thoroughbreds and 276 standardbreds were retired.