TWO of Queensland's foremost Thoroughbred breeders reject any suggestion production levels should be capped, asserting economic forces are already playing a pivotal role.
Basil Nolan, Raheen Stud, Gladfield, said the notion was widely canvassed in light of the ABC's confronting report on the destruction of gallopers at an abattoir north of Brisbane.
"People say there is an over-supply of horses and that's why they ended up in those horrid circumstances," said Mr Nolan, who is also the president of Thoroughbred Breeders Queensland Association.
"But at the end of the day the figures are quite different. We have come from 26,000 foals (per year) to 14,000 foals in Australia and that's been driven by economics with supply and demand dictating.
"The real crux of the matter is what could and should be done when horses end their racing careers. "
Scott McAlpine, Eureka Stud, Cambooya, said the number of registered sires listed in the 2019 Stallion Book had tumbled dramatically over the past 11 years.
"In 2008 there were 108 registered stallions in Queensland and in 2019 there is something like 35," he said.
Mr Nolan said the ABC 7.30 report focused a necessary bright light on dark corners.
"Some horses will be difficult to re-home because of their attitude," he said.
"For those horses able to be re-homed we need to know what happens after that second career, third career, or fourth career is over. We do not want to see them in a paddock without feed and water. Whatever is done will be expensive but we must do what we can.
"Whether we go down the path of cleaning up abattoirs, cremating horses or having a burial ground for horses are things we need to look at.
"The Breeders Association will most definitely be making a submission to the government inquiry and if there is talk of a levy on prize money our members need to be involved because breeders are the biggest owners."
The Queensland opposition has "grave concerns" with the planned inquiry. "There are no terms of reference, no commitment to public hearings and no date for the report," opposition racing spokesman John-Paul Langbroek said.
