More than 70 per cent of  the state’s breeding sector is based in the  Hunter and the vast  majority of that in the  Upper Hunter, within a stone’s throw of several major open-cut mines.

The thoroughbred breeding industry has seized on the latest racing industry report as part of its campaign against Anglo American’s proposed Drayton South mine.

Anglo presented the government with a scaled-back third version of its Drayton South project before Christmas after the Planning Assessment Commission rejected its previous two proposals.

The commission will also assess the latest application, which the company says will secure about 500 jobs.

The Hunter Thoroughbred Breeders Association has argued that noise and dust from the mine would threaten the viability of the multimillion-dollar breeding industry.

Hunter Thoroughbred Breeders Association vice-president Paddy Power said the Hunter was among the best thoroughbred breeding grounds in the world.

‘‘We have an impressive international and national reputation of breeding champion racehorses here in the Hunter Valley – a reputation that is recognised globally both in the sale and racing rings. One that generates significant jobs, community and social benefits,’’ he said.

‘‘It is a reputation and a tradition which we wish to continue here in the Hunter Valley and which should be protected.’’