Racing has been hit by the global fuel crisis, with trainers set to hit owners with a fuel levy.
A number of trainers are set to pass on increases in fuel costs to owners, in some cases up to 20%.
The trainers have been charged extra from transportation companies as the world grapples with fuel shortages and significant rise in costs.
The move to pass on the fuel costs has the support of Thoroughbred Racehorse Owners Association boss Jonathan Munz and the Australian Trainers’ Association.
One trainer emailed their ownership group on Friday, explaining their decision to charge owners extra.
‘’Due to the current fuel crisis we are all experiencing; and as implemented by other Victorian floating companies to help offset the impact on operational costs, a 20% temporary fuel levy will be applied to all horse movements effective from tomorrow, Friday 20th March 2026,’’ the email said.
‘’This will be reviewed regularly until the fuel prices stabilise, and we will subsequently remove this levy as soon as conditions allow.’’
ATA president Troy Corstens said trainers have no choice but to pass on the fuel increases given the small margins many operate under.
‘’Most of the trainers are passing the cost on, around 20%,’’ he told Betsy.
‘’If you are driving, and you don’t see how expensive fuel is, especially diesel, you’re not looking.”
‘’It’s horrible what its happening but trainers work at such fine lines, they simply can’t absorb costs like this.”
‘’The current situation has massive ramifications, not just in racing but in life, and we hope it’s just a short-term problem.’’
Munz said he accepts trainers must pass on the costs as long as none are profiting from the move.
‘’It’s reasonable to pass on the charges as long as trainers are acting rationally, it would be unreasonable to complain otherwise,’’ he said.
‘’It’s an extreme time and there has been an extraordinary change in prices, so it’s only fair at the moment some of these costs are passed on.’’
Corstens encouraged owners to be patient with their trainers, arguing any cost increases in the current economic market are made as a ‘’last resort’’.
