Acknowledgement: ‘The Australian Bloodhorse’ by Douglas M Barrie; Angus and Robertson; First published 1956

Featured Image: The distribution of the main thoroughbred breeding areas of Australia.

Important factors are reasonable proximity to market outlets, temperate climate, favourable rainfall and soil conditions. The large figures on the map indicate average rainfall limits.

Using these criteria the Upper Hunter Valley is very well placed geographically, meteorologically and demographically.