A record 2,550 Australian-bred thoroughbreds valued at more than $100 million were exported around the world during the past 12 months according to recent figures released by the Australian Stud Book.

This is an increase of more than 50% on the 1631 horses that were exported at the start of the decade.  “These impressive figures prove just how sought after Australian-bred thoroughbreds have now become,” said Aushorse marketing chairman Antony Thompson.

“The growth in exports is testament to the innovativeness of Australian breeders in marketing their product and the growing popularity of the Australian thoroughbred is a strong reflection on the quality, durability and versatility of our horses.”

New Zealand remains Australia’s biggest trading partner with 900 horses making their way across the Tasman but there have been a host of other countries importing our horses.

Singapore is the Australian breeding industry’s second biggest market, with 353 horses exported (up from 253 in 2000).  China is set to become a major international player with 249 Australian horses exported there during the past 12 months.  Similarly, the Philippines imported 133 Australian horses this year.  South Africa has imported more than ever before. This year they imported 107 horses compared with just 26 in 2000.

Malaysia (251), Hong Kong (170) and Korea (107) continue to be major buyers of our horses and the United States (37), Ireland (32), Japan (20) and Great Britain (15) have also played their part in generating record export numbers.