Western Australia’s new passport system will enable retired racehorses’ ownership and location to be tracked
© Andreas Ikon
On the 27th August, Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) launched the Off the Track WA (OTTWA) Passport, an initiative designed to assist in the tracking of retired thoroughbreds and standardbreds in the State.
The passport system will enable the location and ownership of horses to be tracked once they leave the racing industry, and forms part of the commitments outlined in the WA Racehorse Welfare Plan announced in November 2019.
RWWA CEO Richard Burt said the passport formed part of RWWA’s efforts to create broader and more comprehensive traceability of WA’s retired racehorses.
“RWWA is committed to ensuring that the best levels of care are given to thoroughbreds and standardbreds throughout all stages of their lives, including retirement,” Mr Burt said.
“Since the announcement of the WA Racehorse Welfare Plan, RWWA has been working to implement the range of initiatives outlined in the plan, including the OTTWA Passport, which will assist us in addressing traceability after racing.”
Owners of retired standardbred and thoroughbred racehorses are encouraged to create an OTTWA Passport account and register any horses in their care. Through this a record of the horses’ details such as previous and current owners, locations and use will be maintained. Owners of retired racehorses who register for an OTTWA Passport will receive exclusive benefits, including educational material and access to OTTWA clinics and events.
From 1 January 2021, only horses with a valid passport will be eligible to attend OTTWA clinics and events.
To register for a passport, owners can visit the OTTWA website here.
The full WA Racehorse Welfare Plan can be viewed here.
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