Jacqueline Stewart has been appointed the keeper of the The Australian Stud Book, the official record of the country's thoroughbred breeding.

The 135-year-old Studbook is co-owned and administered by the Victoria Racing Club (VRC) and the Australian Turf Club (ATC).

The Australian Stud Book is a member of the International Stud Book committee and works to uphold the integrity of thoroughbred breeding while balancing Australia's industry interests on a global scale by administering internationally accepted rules and processes.

Stewart, currently deputy keeper, succeeds Michael Ford who will stand down at the end of the year.

"The ASB has an established place in the history of thoroughbred breeding thanks to the contribution of its keepers including Mr Ford," ATC chief executive Darren Pearce said.

"We welcome Ms Stewart to the role. Her experience as Deputy Keeper makes her the perfect successor."

Pearce's VRC counterpart David Courtney said the Stud Book continued to play an important role in the industry.

"Keeping accurate and timely records has always played a vital role in the governance of the multi-billion dollar industry," he said.

Since the Stud Book was founded in 1878, the seven keepers have overseen the recording of more than 750,000 foals and the breeding records of over 610,000 broodmares.