The Andrews Labor Government is backing in the Victorian racing industry by investing to grow the state’s thoroughbred breeders.
Minister for Racing Anthony Carbines today announced the Labor Government’s Victorian Racing Industry Fund is supporting the Victorian Owners Breeders Incentive Scheme (VOBIS) Sires Boost Voucher Program.
Established by Racing Victoria in 1983, VOBIS is designed to promote breeding in Victoria and provides bonus payments to eligible registered Victorian bred horses that win or place in registered races.
The new VOBIS Sires Boost Voucher Program takes a step further, by encouraging more owners and breeders to send their mares to Victorian-based stallions or to purchase Victorian bred thoroughbreds.
Owners of eligible horses who win nominated races will receive a voucher to offset a service fee, within two years, or put towards the purchase of a horse bred by a nominated VOBIS sire.
The Government is contributing almost $1.6 million to the voucher program which starts on 1 August, with Racing Victoria contributing almost $1.7 million.
The past season has produced some significant results for the Victorian breeding industry, standing several of the top 10 sires in Australia including Written Tycoon and Nicconi, the sire of Nature Strip.
A strong breeding pedigree, along with industry leading people and perfect pastures on Victorian farms, have been the driving force behind Victoria’s breeding success.
The Government has invested more than $8.4 million supporting the Victorian Owners Breeders Incentive Scheme since 2014.
The thoroughbred racing industry in Victoria generates $3.4 billion for the Victorian economy and helps sustain over 25,700 jobs. The thoroughbred breeding sector is responsible for generating almost $197.5 million in the production and care of horses.
As stated by Minister for Racing Anthony Carbines
“Enhancing Victoria’s standing as the home of thoroughbred breeding in Australia is vital to the longevity of the industry.”
As stated by Racing Victoria Chair Brian Kruger
“We’re very grateful for the government’s support of the VOBIS scheme – we hope that the introduction of these vouchers will not only encourage owners to reinvest in the Victorian breeding industry, but also increase the attractiveness of racing horses in Victoria.”
As stated by Thoroughbred Breeders Victoria President James O’Brien
“This is a terrific initiative that directly rewards owners and breeders that use a Victorian sire and encourages them to do so in the future as well. It will provide a significant boost to our industry.”
