Minister and MPs visit racing stud

WHILE most of us think of 1 September as the beginning of spring, for the thoroughbred horse racing industry it means the beginning of the official Australian breeding season.

Not only an exciting time for those involved in the industry, it also highlights the value it provides to country towns.

To demonstrate this, Member of Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, invited Minister for Racing, Anthony Carbines, and shadow minister for racing Tim Bull to Nagambie’s Swettenham Stud, home of superstar stallion Toronado.

“I’m so thankful that both the minister and shadow minister for racing came to Nagambie to see firsthand the amazing things that are happening in our thoroughbred industry, specifically going into this important season,” said Ms Cleeland.

Swettenham Stud principal Adam Sangster told the ministers of the value the stud brings to the area and explained some of the problems they face.

“I’m especially thankful to Adam Sangster and everyone at Swettenham Stud for being such a gracious host,” Ms Cleeland said.

“Good luck to them and all the local breeders in our region during this exciting time.

“We are the heartbeat of the industry here in Euroa and Nagambie, an industry which provides more than 35,000 jobs and contributes billions of dollars into the state economy.

“It is an industry I am so proud to celebrate, support and protect.”

The Australian thoroughbred breeding industry is the second biggest in the world and operates in every state and territory.