The region’s thoroughbred studs showcased world leading genetics, with legendary stallions like Written Tycoon, Toronado, Paulele, and Royal Meeting paraded as part of a week-long stallion parade showcase.
Locally based breeders including Yulong Stud, Swettenham Stud, Darley (Godolphin), and Lovatsville opened their gates for hundreds of visitors from across the world, demonstrating why the region was regarded as the premier location for Australia’s thoroughbred breeding and equine industry.
The Nationals’ Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, who attended the stallion parades, said the region’s equine industry was crucial to the local economy.
“It is our region that is home to the industry’s heart and soul, where tomorrow’s racing legends are bred and born,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Our equine industry is going from strength to strength, whether it be our incredible thoroughbred studs, our thriving local racing clubs, or the establishment of the Avenel Equine Hospital.
“The impact this industry has on our local economy cannot be overstated, providing hundreds of jobs at studs, racing clubs, and the equine hospital, with a flow on impact to the agronomists, farm suppliers, shed builders, and many more associated industries.
“Tourism from our racing clubs also continues to be a major drawcard, with local events bringing huge crowds and getting people to our regional towns where they’ll stay in local accommodation, eat at our restaurants, and drink at our pubs.”
With racing in Victoria generating $4.7 billion for the Victorian economy and directly responsible for sustaining almost 35,000 jobs, Ms Cleeland praised those in the local industry for their contribution.
Ms Cleeland also applauded the Seymour Racing Club, who were currently in the planning phase of major upgrades.
“Seymour Racing Club are working hard to expand the capacity of the training facilities at the course that will include stabling for about 200 horses on-site,” Ms Cleeland said.
“The vision is to make Seymour a racing and training precinct, supporting the region’s breeders, agistment, and equine service providers.
“It is a bold plan, but it has the potential to be transformative for our region’s investment in racing, events, and tourism.
Ms Cleeland recently took the opportunity to pitch this project to Minister for Racing Anthony Carbines during a recent visit, sharing the impact it could have on the entire racing industry.
The plans also include the potential for the facilities to serve as a major community hub in an emergency, providing a meeting space for emergency services such as the SES, CFA, government agencies, and the community during a crisis.
