Improving the health and wellbeing of participants in the racing industry will be the focus of a new research project announced by the Victorian Government.

The $32,600 project will examine the health of those involved in the racing industry and engage racing participants to adopt more healthy behaviours.

The Andrews Government is contributing more than $16,000 through the Victorian Racing Industry Fund. Racing Victoria is also providing $13,300 and the Australian Trainers’ Association is giving $3000 towards the initiative.

From February 24 to March 1 researchers will assess 800 people attending the Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale, at Oaklands Junction.

Attendees will be encouraged to drop in to a health promotion marquee, known as the Wellbeing Lounge, for a personal health check-up including an assessment for type 2 diabetes risk.

There will also be a UV skin damage viewer and a breath analyser for smokers.

Participants can also learn more about other health factors such as alcohol, diet and nutrition. All screening will be conducted by qualified health professionals.

Racing Victoria will partner with the Swinburne Centre for Social Impact under the project to collect the physical and psychological health and wellbeing information.

Staff from Swinburne University will collect basic demographic data on the symptoms of depression and anxiety, and sleep and hygiene patterns.

Racing Victoria will use the data from the project to better understand health issues in the racing industry and to tailor future health and wellbeing engagement programs to racing participants.

Vicoria’s Minister for Racing Martin Pakula said: “The Andrews Labor Government is working to improve the health, wellbeing and safety of everyone involved in racing.

“This important study will help to give us a better understanding of the general physical and psychological health of those involved in the industry and identify ways to improve it.”