Awaiting the facts – Racing Australia publication delay leaves industry in the dark

*A key statistical document that outlines the annual health of the Australian racing industry remains unpublished, seven months into the new season. (Image: Racing Australia)*

As the Australian racing calendar ticks into autumn, the thoroughbred industry is still awaiting the release of the annual Racing Australia Fact Book.

The annual Fact Book is a key statistical document tracking the state of the industry. It has usually been released in December or January, three to four months after the season ends.

Regarded as a publication of record for key data points in the racing industry, it usually includes aspects such as field sizes, foal crops, the number of races, race clubs, active jockeys and trainers, prizemoney details, ownership stats, and export and import figures.

It also included wagering data up to the most recent edition in 2024, when that key metric was removed, with some stakeholders concerned about the ongoing accuracy of those fugures.

Despite such queries, it is broadly seen as a highly reliable source of key industry data.

The Fact Book has been published every year since 1999, when the former Australian Racing Board took responsibility for producing a document which would give an overview of the national industry.

“Our intention in producing the Fact Book is to meet this demand by assembling a range of useful facts and figures as a handy guide to any person seeking information on major aspects of the industry,” ARB chairman Bob Charley said at the time.

“There are, of course, a number of existing sources of racing material. The Fact Book is in no way intended to replace them; instead, its intended role is to draw together under one cover key racing data from a range of sources.”

The Straight asked Racing Australia about the delay in the publication of the 2025 edition of the Fact Book but has yet to receive a reply as to its current status.

The Jockey Club in the United States produces a Fact Book, with its 2026 edition, reviewing the 2025 season, released on February 4, only five weeks after the end of the year.

Other jurisdictions, such as Japan, publish key data almost immediately after the season concludes.

Racing Australia has yet to publish its annual report for the 2024/25 financial year on its website.