Racing Australia

In the wake of increasing disquiet at the impasse between Racing Australia and the Asian Racing Federation in the prolonged absence of proper oversight of Australia's black-type programme, the newly formed Australian Racing Industry Alliance (ARIA) released a statement on Thursday outlining plans for the restoration of an Australian Pattern Committee. Chaired by major owner-breeder Jonathan Munz, and with the backing of one of the most respected figures in international breeding in Arrowfield Stud's John Messara, ARIA represents many of the country's major industry bodies, including Thoroughbred Breeders Australia, Thoroughbred...

I thoroughly applaud the position of Arion Pedigrees, reported in TDN Europe (The Thoroughbred Report), October 15, opting to wait for review and rating from the appropriate authorities before accepting, in the pedigrees it produces, the Group (Grade) One status claimed by Racing Australia for The Everest and the All-Star Mile.  For a commercial company to take this stand, when it would have been so easy to enhance a race-record or a sales pedigree by simply adding G1 to the race title, shows courage and integrity. These two stakes are...

The A$20m Everest has been upgraded to Group 1 status in time for this year's running on October 19. The All Star Mile was also handed a Group 1 update after Racing Australia issued a press release stating the organisation was "pleased to announce the elevation of two major races to Group 1 status". It continued, "Following the recent agreement and adoption of the Australian Black Type Guidelines by the Racing Australia Board, a review of races under those guidelines is being conducted. "As a priority, The Everest and The...

by TDN AusNZ Racing Australia has had its second high-profile resignation this week, with John Messara stepping down as the Chair of the embattled body, just a day after it was announced CEO Myles Foreman would be leaving. Messara was appointed the first Independent Chairman in June last year replacing Greg Nichols and was charged with the task of breaking the state-based deadlock which has plagued the organisation for several years. However, he was not able to reconcile the differences between the major state bodies, chiefly Racing New South Wales...