Advanced imaging rebate

Advanced Diagnostic Imaging Rebate

The safety and wellbeing of racehorses is vital to Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA). As part of our commitment to the welfare of horses in training and racing, RWWA has established a rebate scheme to help owners and trainers with the cost of using advanced diagnostic imaging to investigate musculoskeletal conditions in racehorses.

Applicable forms

Frequently asked questions

This policy applies to active registered thoroughbred and standardbred racehorses living in Western Australia.

To be eligible for the rebate, the horse must be registered as active or spelling within the relevant national racing database and domiciled in Western Australia for a minimum of three months prior to applying for the rebate.

Before accessing advanced diagnostic imaging, the horse must be presenting with lameness or a musculoskeletal condition affecting the locomotory system and had a comprehensive soundness evaluation by a registered veterinarian in Western Australia. The imaging must be recommended by the vet in a written report submitted along with the rebate application.

The advanced diagnostic imaging tools eligible for the rebate are:

Scintigraphy (bone scanning)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Computed Tomography (CT)
Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT)

RWWA will refund 50 per cent of the cost of the advanced diagnostic imaging, up to $1500 inclusive of GST (if GST registered).

No. The associated costs including, but not limited to, the lameness examination by the referring vet, transport of the horse to and from the practice, other associated costs such as sedation, anaesthesia or hospitalisation and any recommended treatment after completion of the diagnostic imaging will not be covered under the scheme.

Applications for subsequent or multiple advanced imaging investigations on the same horse will be considered on an individual case basis and must be supported by a report from the referring vet recommending additional imaging.

An application form (Advanced Imaging Rebate Application Form) must be submitted to RWWA for consideration to animalwelfare@rwwa.com.au, along with the clinical report from the referring vet, the veterinary radiologist report and the paid invoice from the veterinary practice performing the advanced diagnostic imaging.

The form is available above or on request from animalwelfare@rwwa.com.au.

No. The rebate is retrospective and RWWA will not approve applications prior to the diagnostic procedures. Trainers or managing owners with any questions regarding eligibility can contact animalwelfare@rwwa.com.au for guidance.

The advanced diagnostic imaging rebate is funded by RWWA’s animal welfare program. Under the program, one per cent of prizemoney from all three racing codes is used to fund animal welfare initiatives.

The Advanced Diagnostic Imaging Rebate Policy can be found at the top of this page.

For all queries about the scheme, contact RWWA’s Animal Wellbeing Department on (08) 9445 5221 or animalwelfare@rwwa.com.au.

Advanced imaging rebate

Advanced Diagnostic Imaging Rebate

Applicable forms

Frequently asked questions

Which types of scans are available for the rebate?

How much rebate will I receive?

Does the rebate cover all costs linked to the lameness and imaging assessments?

Can I get a rebate for more than one advanced diagnostic imaging procedure on a horse?

How do I apply for the rebate?

Will RWWA be approving the application prior to the advanced imaging?

How is the scheme funded and how long will it be available?

Where can I find further information?