It’s the racing industry’s biggest birthday, with thousands of thoroughbreds in the southern hemisphere all turning a year older today.
August 1 is the uniform birthday for all thoroughbreds in the southern hemisphere, and the date is linked to their breeding cycle.
By all horses turning a year older on the same day - regardless of when they have foaled - it enables thoroughbreds to compete on a standardised age platform.
Australia’s thoroughbred racing season is also aligned with the date with the new season starting today.
That includes all jockeys and training premierships resetting for the 2022/23 season.
Racing Queensland (RQ) celebrated the big day in style on Monday with their resident equine and former Melbourne metropolitan city winner Monty, who raced as Monteux and turned 11, the star attraction.
Monty’s role in RQ's Education Department involves providing students with riding lessons, on-the-ground handling skills and general horse safety knowledge.
He has also starred in several RQ promotions.
Monty, bred by retail magnate Gerry Harvey, foaled on September 14, 2011.
Former jockey and Senior Apprentice Coach Shane Scriven giving Monty a healthy birthday treat.
He is by champion USA sire Medaglia D’oro and out of a Red Ransom mare KyliKwong who was a nose second to Hollow Bullet in the Group 1 VRC Oaks in 2006.
For the curious, when Monty is not working, he enjoys swimming and eating carrots and has a getaway holiday in the country every Christmas.