Traceability
Following the launch of the industry’s Horse Welfare strategy, the TBA is pleased to reveal the findings of a landmark research project led by the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (TBA), providing valuable new insight into the lives and different pathways of British-bred Thoroughbreds.
Funded by the Racing Foundation and independently verified by veterinary surgeon and epidemiologist Dr Rebecca Mouncey, the study examined the 2018 and 2019 British foal populations, bringing together multiple industry data sources to build a more comprehensive picture of horses' journeys from birth through training, racing and into their subsequent careers.
The findings highlight the significant proportion of British-bred Thoroughbreds entering training and racing, while identifying important gaps in the industry's ability to track our horses throughout their lives.
What did the research reveal?
81–82% ENTERED TRAINING
More than four out of five British-bred Thoroughbreds had entered training in Britain or overseas by six years of age.
69–71% WENT ON TO RACE
Approximately seven in ten horses went on to race, demonstrating that the majority of British-bred Thoroughbreds fulfil the purpose for which they were bred.
25-28% RETURNED TO STUD AS BROODMARES
23–24% ENTERED THE LEISURE SECTOR
Almost a quarter of each foal population had transitioned into the leisure sector by six years of age, highlighting the importance of understanding horses' lives beyond racing.
27-28% PERMANENTLY EXPORTED
Read full summary of findings here.
Why does this research matter?
Achieving comprehensive lifetime traceability is fundamental to safeguarding Thoroughbred welfare and maintaining public confidence in British racing and breeding.
The research found that the industry holds multiple data touchpoints for an average of 97% of horses until they first leave the racing sector. However, enhanced visibility is needed for an average of 21% of Thoroughbreds when taking their first steps out of training.
By identifying where these gaps exist, the research provides an important evidence base to help the industry prioritise practical improvements to its recording and monitoring systems and importantly establishes a baseline against which future progress can be measured, with a commitment to repeat the study in 2028.
TBA leading the way
The findings come at an important time for British racing, coinciding with the launch of the Horse Welfare Board's new five-year strategy, A Life Well Lived, which places lifetime traceability as a key priority of its welfare ambitions.
The TBA has played a leading role in this work, bringing together industry expertise, independent verification and extensive data analysis to strengthen the evidence available to inform future decisions.
What happens next?
The TBA will continue working alongside the industry's Traceability Working Group and the Horse Welfare Board to progress a coordinated action plan, with measures already being trialled or implemented to improve the recording and monitoring of Thoroughbreds throughout their lives.
Our collective ambition is clear: to achieve comprehensive lifetime traceability for every Thoroughbred bred to race in Britain.
Explore the research
We encourage all members to read the research summary, which outlines the key findings and the next steps towards strengthening traceability.
READ THE RESEARCH FINDINGS
You can also explore the Horse Welfare Board's new five-year strategy and its plans for the future of traceability: