South Australia’s thoroughbred racing industry generates more than $500 million for the state’s economy, the latest IER report has found.
The study, which was conducted using data from the 2024 financial year, found that racing’s footprint in the state has grown year-on-year.
The $515.4 million in economic contribution to the state’s economy represents an increase of 14.2% over the previous year, sustaining 3,462 full-time or equivalent jobs.
In total, 11,836 industry participants, employees and volunteers are involved in thoroughbred racing, while more than 163,000 people attended the 183 race meetings in South Australia during the 12-month study period.
South Australian businesses, both in Adelaide and across regional communities, benefited from racegoers’ spending on accommodation, transport, fashion purchases, food and beverages.
More than 500 thoroughbreds benefited from Racing SA’s recent drought relief packages, while the number of off-the-track care packages distributed to ex-racehorses via Racing SA’s Thorough Care program grew to 1161.
Racing SA Chair Rob Rorrison said the numbers paint a clear picture of the industry’s continued importance to the socioeconomic fabric of South Australia, as well as its importance to regional communities.
“Thoroughbred racing in South Australia is going from strength to strength, not just in terms of its economic growth but also in its unique ability to bring communities together through a shared passion and purpose,” Rorrison said.
“This report demonstrates thoroughbred racing’s strong economic trajectory, even without including the significant achievements of the past eighteen months, including Racing SA and the SAJC’s landmark sponsorship agreement with Sportsbet and multimillion-dollar prizemoney investment.
“We are determined to continue to grow our industry for the benefit of our participants and the hundreds of thousands of South Australians who rely on and love racing.”
