ABC NEWS THE FINAL RACE

CARO MELDRUM-HANNA, REPORTER: On a still winter’s night in Caboolture, Queensland, undercover cameras record a group of horses gated inside a series of holding pens. This is not a safe place for these animals. Recent injuries are noticeable – an ominous sign this is a place of violence. Brandings burnt into their hides reveal these aren’t just any horses. They’re registered thoroughbred racehorses. Night after night, more and more appear, and according to the racing industry’s own policies and rules, they should not be ending up here. CARO MELDRUM-HANNA: Australian horse racing is a billion-dollar industry and growing. Big business, big government revenue, and big prize money requires big breeding with the industry producing more than 14,000 foals last financial year.