Breeders Called on to Sign Protest Letter

Media Release - Wednesday August 10

Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA) has called on all breeders to sign a protest when lodging their mare returns this year.

Lawyers for TBA have drafted a letter which protects the rights of breeders to challenge the new rules of the Australian Stud Book, which includes an agreement to be bound by the rules of racing.

The letter acknowledges that new rules have been introduced, but states on behalf of those signing:

"We think the new rules are unfair and invalid. It is not the business of the racing control bodies to seek to control what breeders do.We give the required undertaking under protest, and only because we feel we have no choice. We reserve all our rights in relation to the undertaking and what is said to follow from it."

TBA president Basil Nolan said he had been overwhelmed by the opposition of breeders to Racing Australia's new rules.

"I've been truly taken aback by the level of opposition and concern from all breeders against these rules and the takeover of their industry by racing regulators," said Mr Nolan.

"I would urge all breeders who are filling in a mare return to sign our letter of protest. We have pulled this letter together because we wanted to help our members make a formal protest and also protect all their legal rights.

"The board of TBA will happily support any reforms which improve traceability and welfare - but bringing breeders under racing's control and not giving our industry a say in its future is completely unacceptable."

More than 75 per cent of breeders are opposed to the new rule changes, according to a survey commissioned by TBA which has had some 1200 respondents, with just nine per cent agreeing with the new rules.

"Racing Australia should put these rules to one side and work collaboratively on finding solutions that have the support of all breeders rather than acting dictatorially," Mr Nolan added. "Racing doesn't run breeding in any major jurisdiction in the world and it shouldn't happen here."

Breeders wanting to register their protest and protect their legal rights can scan and email a copy of their signature to member@tbaus.comto be included on a letter to Racing Australia.

Those breeders also wanting to send a letter to Racing Australia individually can visit tbaus.com to download a copy of the template document (click here to download)and then send it to the the keeper of the stud book atJacqueline.stewart@racingaustralia.horse.