OTTWA Passport FAQs
What is the purpose of the OTTWA Passport?
The OTTWA passport forms an important part of the commitments outlined in the WA Racehorse Welfare Plan. The initiative is designed to assist Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) in tracing and connecting retired racehorses in WA, and gain a better understanding of their location and life after racing.
How will horses be traced?
When a retired racehorse is registered for an OTTWA Passport, a record of its details such as previous and current owner, location and use will be maintained.
How will the information be used?
The details provided through the OTTWA Passport will be used to further understand and improve welfare for retired racehorses in WA, and will provide useful information to RWWA programs and initiatives, which support horses and their owners in the transition from racing to retirement.
What are the benefits for owners signing up for an OTTWA Passport?
By creating and maintaining OTTWA Passports for their horses, owners are assisting RWWA in gaining a better understanding of the location and life of racehorses after racing. Owners signing up their horses will also be eligible for exclusive benefits, including:
- Attending OTTWA clinics and events. From 1 January 2021, all riders attending OTTWA facilitated events will be required to have an OTTWA Passport.
- Accessing exclusive educational and support materials, including how-to videos and downloadable resources from the OTTWA website.
- Learning more about their horse, and their racing career through its registered details.
Who should create an OTTWA Passport account?
All current owners of retired thoroughbreds and standardbreds residing in WA are encouraged to create an OTTWA Passport account and register all horses in their care.
Which horses are eligible for an OTTWA Passport?
All thoroughbreds and standardbreds which were bred for the purpose of racing are eligible for an OTTWA Passport.
What does it cost to have an OTTWA Passport?
There is no cost associated with creating and maintaining an OTTWA Passport, with the initiative funded by RWWA.
Do I receive a physical Passport for my horse?
No, you will not receive a physical passport, however all owners will be provided with a PDF digital copy of their Horse Identification Certificate which can also be downloaded via your online profile.
How do I apply for an OTTWA Passport for my horse?
To apply for an OTTWA Passport, simply read and follow the step-by-step guide here, before submitting an application here. If you have any questions about the process, or experience issues lodging the application, please contact the OTTWA team via offthetrackwa@rwwa.com.au
How can I apply for an OTTWA Passport if I don’t know my horse’s details?
If you do not know the racing name, microchip number or freeze brand of your horse, or cannot locate it in the “Find Horse” list, you can submit a Horse ID Request Form. This form is linked underneath the search options on the “Find Horse” page. When submitting this form you will be asked for pictures of your horse’s brands and for identifying information such as gender, colour and age (approximate if exact date not known).
How do I know the status of my OTTWA Passport application?
You will receive an email confirming that your application has been lodged successfully, and a separate email indicating whether your application has been approved, or if further information is required, once the application has been processed.
What should I do if I sell my horse that has an OTTWA Passport?
You should always ensure that the details of the horses in your account are current. If you sell your horse you can transfer ownership of the horse through the OTTWA Passport system. This first step to this is navigating to the horse’s profile and clicking “Send Transfer Invitation”. You will need details of the new owner including their email address. Once you’ve completed the form and clicked “Send Invitation” an email with your invitation will be sent to the new owner. They can then accept your invitation and the horse’s Passport will be transferred into their account. If they do not respond 30 days or don’t accept the invitation you will be sent an email notification and the horse will remain under your account.
What if I buy a horse that already has an OTTWA Passport?
You can request to transfer the ownership from the current holder of your horse’s Passport. First search for your horse on the “Find New Horse” page and then click “Submit Claim Request”. You can then Send Request. An email notification will be sent to the current caretaker of the horse’s Passport inviting them to accept your request. Once the previous owner has accepted the horse will appear in your account under “My Horses”.
What do I do if I have owned a retired racehorse which has an OTTWA Passport that has passed, or my horse passes?
There is an option to mark your horse as having passed both during your initial application for you horse, and when editing your horse’s information once the application has been approved. You also have the option to display your horse on the In Memory page if you wish.
