EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 

Racing Victoria has an unprecedented opportunity to lead Australia in racehorse welfare while generating substantial revenue at zero cost.

This proposal presents a 12-month pilot program for an OTT Training Passport that provides lifetime support for off-track horses. The pilot demonstrates proof of concept for Racing Australia's national adoption, positioning Victoria as the pioneering state while earning approximately $1.4 million in profit with no capital investment.

The Value Proposition for Racing Victoria

ZERO RISK, SUBSTANTIAL RETURN:

• You invest NOTHING—no capital, no staff, no development costs
• You collect approximately $4.2M in passport fees during a 12-month pilot
• You pay Dr Fenner 65% of revenue, keep 35% as profit ($1.4M)
• You position Victoria as Australia's welfare innovation leader
• Platform and content already built - ready to launch April 2026
• After pilot success, we approach Racing Australia for national adoption
• Victoria maintains a leadership role in the national program

THE RACING INDUSTRY'S WELFARE CRISIS

Racing faces mounting public criticism and social license threats:

• 13,300-15,550 foals registered annually by Racing Australia (TB + SB)
• 34% NEVER RACE—3,500-4,000 horses/year bred by racing, abandoned by racing
• These horses receive little or no support despite being registered as industry horses
• Horses that do race typically race 2-3 years, then live 20-30 years
• Current programs reach only 20-30% of horses, and last just 6-12 months
• Horses change hands 3-4 times post-racing with no continuity of support

Public criticism: "Racing breeds too many horses, then abandons the unprofitable ones."

This criticism is difficult to defend. The ABC exposés, RSPCA statements, and community pressure threaten the industry's viability.

Racing needs a comprehensive solution. Victoria can lead it.

THE SOLUTION: OTT TRAINING PASSPORT

A digital training passport providing lifetime support for every horse racing name:

How It Works

• Attaches at FOAL REGISTRATION (Australian Stud Book) - covers horses that never race AND those that do
• Linked to the horse's microchip number—belongs to the horse, not the owner
• Transfers automatically through unlimited ownership changes over a 20-30 year lifespan
• Provides lifetime access to training modules, weekly expert sessions, and a supportive community
• Evidence-based methodology (developed using the International Society for Equitation Science training principles)
• Self-funding through a one-time fee at foal registration

"If you're in our studbook, racing supports you - for life"

What Horse Owners Receive (Lifetime)

• Comprehensive video training modules: foundations through advanced disciplines
• Weekly live Q&A sessions with Dr Kate Fenner and certified regional trainers
• Video analysis and personalised feedback on the owner's horses
• Supportive community of OTT horse owners
• Breed-specific content 
• Crisis support when welfare concerns arise
• Access continues automatically when the horse is sold or rehomed - forever

WHY RACING VICTORIA PILOTS FIRST

This pilot is strategically designed to prove the concept for national adoption by Racing Australia. Here's why Victoria should lead:

ZERO FINANCIAL RISK: You invest nothing. You collect fees, pay Dr Fenner from revenue, and keep a substantial profit.

IMMEDIATE REVENUE: $4.2M collected during 12 months. You keep $1.4M as pure profit.

NATIONAL LEADERSHIP POSITIONING: Victoria becomes "the state that solved racing's welfare crisis." National and international recognition.

FASTER DECISION-MAKING: State-level approval faster than the Racing Australia national process. Victoria moves first.

PLATFORM READY TO GO: No development phase needed. Platform and content already exist. Can launch in April 2026.

PROOF FOR RACING AUSTRALIA: Pilot generates compelling data for national adoption. Victoria's success becomes Racing Australia's blueprint.

VICTORIA RETAINS LEADERSHIP: When the program goes national, Victoria remains the centre of expertise and innovation. 

12-MONTH PILOT STRUCTURE

The pilot runs for 12 months from April 2026, with two enrollment streams that together prove both market demand and long-term sustainability:

ENROLLMENT STREAM 1: National Amnesty (Immediate Proof)

WHO: Any retired Thoroughbred in Australia, regardless of where bred/raced

WHY NATIONAL: Post-racing horses move states frequently - impossible to track origin. Dr Fenner has national OTT contacts and can help drive substantial enrollment.

FEE: $197 one-time enrollment during 12-month pilot

EXPECTED ENROLLMENT: 1,000-2,000 horses

REVENUE: $197,000-$394,000

PURPOSE: These horses USE the system immediately. They generate testimonials, success stories, and welfare outcome data. They prove the concept works.

MARKETING BENEFIT: "Racing Victoria: Supporting All Australian OTT Horses" - national leadership positioning from day one.

ENROLLMENT STREAM 2: Compulsory Victoria (Revenue Proof)

WHO: All foals registered in Victoria from the pilot launch date

FEE: $997 attached to foal registration (compulsory)

EXPECTED ENROLLMENT: ~ 4300 horses during the 12-month pilot

REVENUE: $4,287,100

PURPOSE: Demonstrates compulsory model works. Builds immediate revenue. Shows financial sustainability. These horses will not retire for 3-6 years, but their enrollment proves a long-term funding model.

12-MONTH PILOT FINANCIAL MODEL

REVENUE

• Amnesty enrollment (national) $197,000-$394,000
• Compulsory enrollment (Victoria) $4,287,100
• TOTAL REVENUE $4,484,100 - $4,681,100

DISTRIBUTION

• Fenner (65%) $2,914,665 – $3,042,715
• Racing Victoria (35%) $1,569,435 – $1,638,385

What Dr Fenner Delivers for 65%:

• Platform access (already developed and operational)
• 50+ training modules (existing content customised for Victoria)
• 52 weekly live sessions (Q&A, video analysis, expert guidance)
• Community management (forums, moderation, support)
• Regional leader recruitment and training (4-6 Victoria-based trainers/instructors)
• Crisis support protocols and welfare intervention when needed
• Comprehensive data collection and analysis
• Final evaluation report with recommendations for Racing Australia

What Racing Victoria Gets for 35%:

• $1,569,435 – $1,638,385 pure profit (no capital investment, no development costs)
• National welfare leadership positioning
• Comprehensive welfare data on pilot participants
• Proof-of-concept for Racing Australia adoption
• Marketing and PR value: "Victoria leads Australia in horse welfare"
• Ongoing system if national adoption proceeds (Victoria remains the leadership state)

IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE 

PATHWAY TO RACING AUSTRALIA NATIONAL ADOPTION

This pilot is explicitly designed as proof-of-concept for Racing Australia. After 12 months with compelling data:

The Racing Australia Pitch (Month 10-11):

Dr Fenner and Racing Victoria present together to Racing Australia:

"Racing Victoria piloted the OTT Training Passport for 12 months with 1,500-2,000 horses. Here's what we learned:

• Welfare outcomes improved measurably
• Owners are highly satisfied (testimonials and data)
• Compulsory enrollment at foal registration works smoothly
• The system is self-funding with a substantial surplus
• Victoria is ready to continue; we're offering Racing Australia national adoption

The Victorian pilot proves this works. Are you ready to lead Australia?"

If Racing Australia Adopts Nationally:

The program scales to all Australian states, with Victoria as the founding and leadership state:

• Approximately 12,500 Thoroughbred foals are registered nationally per year
• Annual revenue at $997 per horse: $12.5 million
• 5-year build-to-transfer plan (as per full Racing Australia proposal)
• Fenner compensated for the national scale (5-year agreement)
• Racing Australia owns all IP after Year 5
• Victoria maintains a leadership role as the state that proved the concept
• 15-20 regional leaders certified nationally (including original Victorian leaders)

The Victorian pilot becomes the foundation. Victoria's 12-month investment becomes the launch point for national transformation.

SUCCESS METRICS FOR PILOT EVALUATION

The 12-month pilot collects comprehensive data for the Racing Australia presentation:

The final evaluation report provides Racing Australia with a robust, evidence-based case for national adoption.

WHY THIS WORKS FOR EVERYONE

For Racing Victoria:

• Zero financial risk - you invest nothing
• Substantial profit - $1,569,435 – $1,638,385M for doing virtually nothing
• National leadership positioning that enhances Victoria Racing's reputation
• Valuable welfare data and insights
• Option to continue if Racing Australia doesn't adopt (unlikely)
• If Racing Australia adopts, you remain the leadership state

For Dr Kate Fenner:

• Fair compensation for 12-month pilot 
• Platform to demonstrate methodology at scale
• Data and testimonials to support the Racing Australia pitch
• IP ownership protected during pilot (only transfers after Racing Australia deal)
• Pathway to substantial national compensation (5-year Racing Australia agreement)
• Legacy project: evidence-based welfare becomes Australian racing standard

For Racing Australia:

• De-risked proposal - Victorian pilot proves it works
• Compelling data from real-world implementation
• Pathway to address the social license crisis with a proven solution
• Self-funding model with substantial surplus
• Opportunity to lead globally in racehorse welfare
• The system is ready to scale nationally

For OTT Horses and Their Owners:

• Lifetime support that follows horses through ownership changes
• Evidence-based training guidance from leading experts
• Supportive community of fellow OTT owners
• Crisis support when needed
• Improved welfare outcomes and quality of life
• Genuine whole-of-life care from the industry that produced them

ABOUT DR. KATE FENNER

Dr Kate Fenner brings exceptional qualifications and a proven platform ready for immediate launch:

• Honorary President, International Society for Equitation Science (ISES): Global leadership in evidence-based horse training and welfare; International scientific credibility
• Board Member, Pony Club Australia: Youth equestrian education, welfare, and safety expertise
• PhD (Horse Behaviour & Training), University of Sydney: Academic rigour in learning theory and training methodology
• 27+ years specialising in OTT Thoroughbred and Standardbred retraining: Deep expertise in racehorse-specific challenges and solutions
• Published researcher on racehorse welfare and retraining outcomes: Evidence-based approach backed by peer-reviewed research
• Founder, Kandoo Equine: 1,000+ active members on existing platform; Proven online training delivery model; Platform operational and ready to scale; Content library already developed 
• John & Josh Lyons Certified Trainer: Professional training credentials

CRITICAL ADVANTAGE: Platform and content already exist. No development phase needed. Can launch early 2026.

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

Kandoo GOLD members who have retrained off-track horses using Dr Fenner's evidence-based methodology: 

Professional Trainer, Standardbred Specialist:

"I used this method on a 4-year-old OTT Standardbred gelding. I like the methods because they teach the horse a new way of being and allow them to learn how to move their body without the burden of a rider. With long-reining, the trainer can observe the horse's frame and make gentle, consistent corrections. This training method makes the transition straightforward with clear communication without any surprises."

OTT Mare Owner, Thoroughbred:

"Standing still for mounting (Kandoo's 'Hips to the Fence' lesson) was a game-changer right from the beginning. My OTT mare was used to being mounted 'on the move' - as a result, she learned to stand calmly, making mounting much safer. The Kandoo method of long reining and short reining helped her learn to bend laterally through her body before having a novice rider on board. This was also a great way to assess whether the horse was ready to ride or needed more groundwork."

Adopter of 8-Year-Old OTT Gelding:

"My horse, Beau, had osteoarthritis joints and some behaviours such as trying to bite humans and a fearful disposition. The groundwork on giving to the bit and shoulder control has been a blessing for him. He is now safe to be around. Due to the research-driven wisdom and the program, I can keep Beau. I let all my horse friends know of her program."

5-Year Kandoo GOLD Member:

"Kate is always so approachable, and her sensible approach makes her relatable to everyone - you never feel awkward asking a question. Kate's step-by-step guide is easy to follow and makes perfect sense, which gives clarity. This is such a benefit to educating OTT horses who have experienced such a different and sometimes frenetic training regime. The benefits of measuring their emotional level to help educate are imperative - I have found that some of my OTTs just zone out and become robotic. Increasing their emotional level and then giving them the chance to self-regulate and learn has been a game-changer for my horses and me. It never dates, and it's comforting to know I can always reach out if I hit a stumbling block."

RECOMMENDATION AND NEXT STEPS

Racing Victoria has an extraordinary opportunity with zero downside:

INVEST NOTHING. EARN $1.57-1.63 MILLION. LEAD AUSTRALIA.

This pilot:

• Tests at no cost to Racing Victoria
• Generates substantial profit immediately
• Positions Victoria as a national welfare innovator
• Proves concept for Racing Australia adoption
• Creates a pathway to a national program where Victoria remains the leadership state

The racing industry faces a social license crisis. Public criticism intensifies. Regulatory pressure mounts.

Victoria can lead the solution - and profit from doing so, making money available for other, more hands-on programs already in existence.

Proposed Next Steps:

1. Racing Victoria reviews this executive summary
2. Schedule a meeting with Dr Kate Fenner (20-30 minutes)
3. Review the full proposal and partnership agreement terms
4. Internal approval for 12-month pilot (emphasise zero capital investment)
5. Finalise partnership agreement (revenue split, IP ownership, Racing Australia pathway)
6. Launch early 2026 (April)
7. Month 10-11: Approach Racing Australia together with pilot data
8. Month 12: Complete pilot evaluation and determine next phase

This is Racing Victoria's opportunity to lead Australia in racehorse welfare while generating substantial revenue. The platform is ready. The methodology is proven. The timing is perfect.

The Welfare Mismatch: Where the Investment Goes vs. Where Horses are Left Behind

Racing Victoria is recognised as a global leader in equine welfare, yet even with industry-leading frameworks, a significant "welfare cliff" persists. While the Equine Welfare Strategic Plan 2023–2027 sets a high standard, the current reactive spending model remains inefficient and short-term, leaving the most vulnerable Victorian horses unsupported.

The Financial Reality: High Investment, Fragmented Impact

In FY25, Racing Victoria’s animal welfare expenditure reached $5.94 million. However, when evaluating the long-term impact of this investment across the horse's entire life, the "mismatch" becomes evident:

• The Rehoming "Lottery": A significant portion of the budget is allocated to the network of Acknowledged Retrainers. While these professionals provide high-quality care, they can only facilitate the transition of a tiny fraction of the thousands of horses retiring in Victoria each year.

• The Structural Efficiency Gap: Under the current model, the industry spends thousands of dollars per horse to support a limited number of high-profile transitions. This creates an "efficiency gap" in which the vast majority of Victorian thoroughbreds receive no direct educational or financial safety net upon exiting the racing system.

• The Education Mirage: Although Racing Victoria prioritises Behavioural Welfare and participant education, the current "post-racing" support for owners is often reactive. Novice owners entering the "Off The Track Community" are often promised support that remains difficult to access in a hands-on, long-term capacity, leaving them to manage challenging transitions in isolation.

The Victorian Gaps We Must Fill

Despite a $5.9M+ budget, three critical areas remain a primary reputational liability and a risk to the industry’s social license:

• The "Invisible" 1,500: Approximately 35% of the ~4,500 foals registered annually in Victoria never make it to the naming stage or enter training. Because they never race, these horses currently fall through the cracks and receive zero industry support despite being Victorian-bred.

• The 6-Month Cliff: Most industry transition programs only offer support for a horse’s first 6 to 12 months post-racing. With a thoroughbred’s lifespan reaching 20–30 years, the current model ignores the remaining 75% of the horse's life.

• The Subsequent Owner Gap: Traceability and support are currently tied to the first post-racing owner. When a Victorian OTT horse is sold to a second, third, or fourth home - homes where novice owners often need expert behavioural guidance the most - the industry’s safety net effectively disappears.

The Race-2-Ride Solution: Scalable, Lifetime, and Profitable

The Race-2-Ride Training Passport isn't another grant program or a temporary subsidy; it represents a systemic shift from reactive, high-cost spending to proactive, self-sustaining leadership.

• 100% Coverage: We support every thoroughbred registered in Victoria. This includes the "invisible" 35% that never reach the track, as well as horses in their 2nd, 3rd, or 4th homes long after their racing careers have ended.

• Lifetime Accountability: The Passport is a digital asset linked directly to the horse’s microchip. It provides a continuous safety net that transfers with every ownership change for the horse's entire 25+ year lifespan.

• Revenue-Positive: Instead of the current model that can spend over $15,000 to rehome a single horse, our model is projected to generate $1.5M+ in annual surplus for Racing Victoria. This creates a "Gold Standard" safety net for the entire population while providing a permanent, growing revenue stream for other vital welfare initiatives.

"If Victoria breeds you, Victoria supports you — for life."