Racehorse Quarantine in Australia

Written on the 27 October 2017

Ever wondered about the quarantine of international racehorses that come to Australia for the Spring Carnival including the Melbourne Cup? Maybe it's something that has never crossed your mind, but it's a necessary part of the industry.

In 2010, Racing Victoria had a state-of-the-art centre built at the Werribee Racecourse - the Werribee International Horse Centre. It is the only privately owned, operated and approved quarantine station in Australia.

Located just 32km from Melbourne's central business district, 45km from the Melbourne International Airport and less than an hour's drive from major racetracks, the facility that stables up to 24 horses at a time in 5 separate stable complexes, is in a handy location.

The facility has two areas which operate as separate quarantine facilities. 24 hour security is assured, modern stables are a feature of the facility as well as a grass racetrack 1728 metres in circumference. Other features are large day yards, electronic scales to track the weight of horses, an internal walking ring, a sand roll, a wash bay in each barn and a washing machine for horse gear.

Check out the state-of-the-art facility below in the video...