GROUP ONE OVERLOAD.... ANY THOUGHTS...

[Executioner]

[curious]

Unfortunately, the breeder and sales company influence has completely devalued our pattern down here to a point where it is not worth that much.

[Wingman]

The article is suggesting it is the State racing authorities who are to blame and not in this case the breeders/sales companies. It almost has that feel of two entities pointing at each other, saying its all your fault. My opinion is that Group one is the ultimate and less is best and to that end, I also think the fewer Listed races the better.

There is massive changes around the corner for thoroughbred racing around the world so this may well be the least of its problems. Singapore went under because firstly the Government banned advertising and then about 5 years ago took control of the wagering. UK has just had another hugely over priced sale at the very top end (Book 1) but the yearling sales below that are struggling to put it mildly. Wagering turnover is down because of Government interference prying into the affordability of individuals betting and the Government there is looking at hiking taxes

[Huey]

Are the ratings done by the Brits?

[Murray Fish]

https://www.ttrausnz.com.au/edition/2024-10-15/arion-pedigrees-refuses-group-1-recognition-for-the-everest-and-all-star-mile?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Arion denies Group 1 recognition&utm_content=Arion denies Group 1 recognition+CID_1647b0ad14da82c07e261446da3f752f&utm_source=Email marketing software&utm_term=Read todays edition

[Chief Stipe]

Arion Pedigrees refuses Group 1 recognition for The Everest and All-Star Mile

www.ttrausnz.com.au

Cover image courtesy of The Image Is Everything

 

In a decisive move that underscores its commitment to global standards, Arion Pedigrees has taken a firm stance against Racing Australia’s decision to upgrade The Everest and The All-Star Mile to Group 1 status.

 

 

While Racing Australia hailed the upgrades as a landmark moment for Australian racing, Arion Pedigrees has opted not to recognise the new classifications until formal ratification is received from international authorities. The pedigree database, respected for maintaining the highest standards in thoroughbred bloodstock cataloguing, has made it clear that it won’t be rushed into recognising races that, in its view, have not yet gone through the appropriate global processes.

 

This move comes in response to what many in the industry see as Racing Australia “jumping the gun.” The announcement that The Everest and The All-Star Mile had been upgraded to Group 1 status was met with enthusiasm locally but concerns quickly surfaced about the lack of formal ratification from key international bodies, including the International Grading and Race Planning Advisory Committee (IRPAC) and the Society of International Thoroughbred Auctioneers (SITA). These approvals, Arion argues, are essential to maintaining the credibility of Australia’s race classifications on the world stage.

 

Last year's The Everest field | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything

 

Kyla Johnston, Managing Director of Arion Pedigrees, expressed the company’s steadfast commitment to integrity in an interview with The Thoroughbred Report. “We prefer to wait for formal international confirmation rather than rushing to upgrade races prematurely. For us, it’s about ensuring the trustworthiness and uniformity of our pedigrees in line with global standards,” she said.

 

A Longstanding Commitment to Integrity

Arion Pedigrees’ refusal to prematurely adopt the Group 1 classifications for The Everest and The All-Star Mile reflects a broader ethos at the heart of its operations. Founded in 1996, Arion has built its reputation on producing pedigree pages that not only meet but exceed global standards. By maintaining strict adherence to the International Cataloguing Standards, Arion ensures that its clients—whether breeders, buyers, or sellers—can rely on the accuracy and credibility of the pedigrees it produces.

 

Johnston emphasised the importance of this approach, noting that international buyers, particularly those from markets with more rigid black-type systems such as Europe and Japan, depend on the integrity of Australian pedigrees when investing. “It’s not just about putting a Group 1 label on a race; it’s about ensuring that label holds the same weight here as it does in any other leading racing jurisdiction,” she said. “Our clients deserve to know that when they see a Group 1 race in an Arion pedigree, it’s been recognised by the highest international authorities.”

 

“Our clients deserve to know that when they see a Group 1 race in an Arion pedigree, it’s been recognised by the highest international authorities.” - Kyla Johnston

The risks of premature recognition

The decision by Racing Australia to push through the Group 1 upgrades without full international ratification has raised significant concerns within the industry. While The Everest and The All-Star Mile have undoubtedly attracted world-class fields, many are wary of how such unilateral upgrades might affect Australia’s standing within the global thoroughbred community.

 

Johnston pointed to the potential long-term damage of rushing such decisions. “It’s not just about these two races,” she explained. “There’s a much larger issue at play here. Racing Australia has indicated that up to 50 races across the country are under review for possible upgrades, many of which are based solely on local race ratings. Without international validation, we run the risk of inflating the black-type system and losing credibility on the global stage.”

 

“Without international validation, we run the risk of inflating the black-type system and losing credibility on the global stage.” - Kyla Johnston

Indeed, the influx of proposed upgrades has sparked fears that Australia could face pushback from the international racing community. The Asian Pattern Committee has approved the Group 1 status for The Everest and The All-Star Mile, but none of the other proposed upgrades have yet received international approval. This could lead to Australia being relegated to part two of the International Cataloguing Standards, which would severely limit the international appeal of its black-type races.

 

Johnston expressed concern that these premature upgrades could undermine the hard-fought reputation Australia has built in recent years. “Australia has become a major player in the international bloodstock market, with significant investment from overseas buyers. If those buyers begin to feel that Australia’s black-type system is bloated or lacks credibility, it could have a serious impact on sales and investment,” she warned.

 

“If (International) buyers begin to feel that Australia’s black-type system is bloated or lacks credibility, it could have a serious impact on sales and investment.” - Kyla Johnston

The importance of international alignment

At the heart of Arion’s decision is a commitment to maintaining alignment with international standards. Johnston made it clear that Arion’s position was not an indictment of Racing Australia’s desire to innovate or promote its most prestigious races. Rather, it is a call for patience and transparency in the process of upgrading races to black-type status.

 

“We fully understand the importance of races like The Everest and The All-Star Mile,” Johnston said. “These are races that have brought excitement and global attention to Australian racing. But to ensure that their new Group 1 status is respected internationally, we need to go through the proper channels. That means waiting for formal ratification from bodies like IRPAC and SITA.”

 

This alignment with international bodies is more than just a formality for Arion—it’s a core principle that protects the integrity of the global bloodstock market. Johnston pointed out that other racing jurisdictions, such as the UK and France, have strict protocols for upgrading and downgrading races, and it is this consistency that ensures their black-type systems are trusted worldwide. “The last thing we want is for Australia to be seen as lowering the bar when it comes to Group 1 races,” she said.

 

A broader industry concern

Arion’s stance has resonated with others in the Australian racing and breeding community, many of whom have voiced concerns about the potential consequences of Racing Australia’s upgrades. Industry stalwarts like John Messara and Vin Cox have been vocal in their opposition, with both warning that the rapid expansion of black-type races could devalue Australia’s racing program.

 

Gallery: Industry stalwarts who have expressed their concerns, images courtesy of The Image Is Everything

 

Messara, a breeding giant and owner of Arrowfield Stud, expressed fears that the Pattern system had been “hijacked” by state Principal Racing Authorities (PRAs), who are now making decisions without sufficient international oversight. Similarly, Vin Cox, a former member of the now-disbanded Australian Pattern Committee, criticised the lack of consultation with breeders and sales companies, arguing that the PRAs had effectively taken control of the black-type system and ignored the required due process.

 

Johnston echoed these concerns, noting that while innovation is important, it must be balanced with the long-term interests of the industry. “We all want to see Australian racing grow and thrive,” she said. “But we have to be careful not to sacrifice credibility for short-term gains. The integrity of our black-type system is what attracts international investment, and that’s something we can’t afford to lose.”

 

“The integrity of our black-type system is what attracts international investment, and that’s something we can’t afford to lose.” - Kyla Johnston

Looking Ahead

For now, Arion Pedigrees will continue to operate under the existing guidelines set by the 2024 International Cataloguing Standards Book. While the local racing community may celebrate Racing Australia’s decision to elevate The Everest and The All-Star Mile, Arion’s decision to withhold recognition until formal international ratification is received serves as a reminder that credibility on the global stage is paramount.

 

“We remain hopeful that these issues will be resolved quickly and transparently,” Johnston said. “It’s in everyone’s best interest that we work together to ensure that Australia’s black-type system remains strong, respected, and in line with international standards.”

 

“It’s in everyone’s best interest that we work together to ensure that Australia’s black-type system remains strong, respected, and in line with international standards.” - Kyla Johnston

In an industry where prestige and trust are vital to maintaining international investment, Arion Pedigrees stance is focused on ensuring that every upgrade is thoroughly vetted and aligned with the highest standards. The company’s cautious approach may well be the safeguard the Australian industry needs to maintain its reputation in the international bloodstock market.

 

TTR reached out to Racing Australia for comment but did not receive a response before publication deadline. We will include the response when and if we receive one.

[Doomed]

Good to see at least one body showing some common sense.

The point that many seem to have missed is that for every race being upgraded another race really should be downgraded. Not only to keep the total number of black type races in balance, but also in recognition of the fact that every time a new high stakes race like the Everest pops up it detracts from the quality of some existing races.

There really have been some very poor black type races in Australia over recent years. Traditional black type races being run for $200,000 and $300,000 have been totally over shadowed by slot races and sales races being run for millions.

[curious]

23 minutes ago, Doomed said:

There really have been some very poor black type races in Australia over recent years. Traditional black type races being run for $200,000 and $300,000 have been totally over shadowed by slot races and sales races being run for millions.

Messara has a bit to say about that.

 

[Wingman]

Thanks for putting up the Messara interview Curious, a must watch imo.  Telling that he considers a 5 million Everest would still attract the same top class fields and provide more revenue for lower grade racing. (Accepting that a sizeable chunk of the other 15m is outside capital) 

[curious]

26 minutes ago, Wingman said:

Thanks for putting up the Messara interview Curious, a must watch imo.  Telling that he considers a 5 million Everest would still attract the same top class fields and provide more revenue for lower grade racing. (Accepting that a sizeable chunk of the other 15m is outside capital) 

Yes. Though outside capital could be applied anywhere and as Messara says, this is probably not the best place.

[Chief Stipe]

33 minutes ago, Wingman said:

Thanks for putting up the Messara interview Curious, a must watch imo.  Telling that he considers a 5 million Everest would still attract the same top class fields and provide more revenue for lower grade racing. (Accepting that a sizeable chunk of the other 15m is outside capital) 

So where does that put the NZ Slot races?

[Huey]

18 minutes ago, Chief Stipe said:

So where does that put the NZ Slot races?

Our fools will have the Kiwi as a G1 within 3 years.

[Chief Stipe]

12 minutes ago, Huey said:

Our fools will have the Kiwi as a G1 within 3 years.

Not before the KM!!

[Wingman]

2 hours ago, Doomed said:

The point that many seem to have missed is that for every race being upgraded another race really should be downgraded. Not only to keep the total number of black type races in balance, but also in recognition of the fact that every time a new high stakes race like the Everest pops up it detracts from the quality of some existing races.

My opinion is that if you devalue something that should be hard to achieve then it loses its awe so I agree with Doomed. My comment re listed races, as to wanting fewer is that they should be stick and carrot. On warning as a G3 or alternatively more of the same quality fields and a club gets its L race upgraded to G3. BUT it should still be limited in numbers, therefore worthwhile. Re G1 in the Antipodes we are close to being downgraded internationally, hence Arion response, because if they are not the most elite/toughest to achieve then we will be tumbling  towards antipathy. I would rather see more G2 on the basis that G1 in our catalogues retains respect.

[Chief Stipe]

20 minutes ago, Wingman said:

if they are not the most elite/toughest to achieve then we will be tumbling  towards antipathy

Antipathy is the wrong word.  Mediocrity is more accurate.

 

[curious]

46 minutes ago, Huey said:

Our fools will have the Kiwi as a G1 within 3 years.

It is a restricted sales race. Can never achieve Group status. Nor the KM for that matter. Won't ever happen.

[Freda]

3 minutes ago, Chief Stipe said:

Antipathy is the wrong word.  Mediocrity is more accurate.

 

Yes. 

If it can happen in Italy,  the birthplace of Ribot and Donatello,  it has to happen here the way things are going.

[Doomed]

3 hours ago, curious said:

Messara has a bit to say about that.

 

That was very interesting Curious. Thank you for putting it up. He speaks well. It makes me realise he has been badly maligned by many in NZ (including myself) because of taking advice from people with their own malicious agendas.

[Wingman]

You cannot help yourself can you chief stipe. No problem with my reason but criticizing my use of a single word. Mediocre means ordinary, neither good or bad. Antipathy means  aversion/repugnance and my point is that NZ/Aus is tumbling towards antipathy if we continue on the path the executive of racing keep pushing us down. We may be getting close to our Group black type being considered  mediocre but my using antipathy is 100% correct  because with every incorrect correction of the pattern based on short term profit we to requote myself, 'tumble towards antipathy'. On the street antipathy  equates to indifference/unimportant and I am sure every breeder in this country and across the ditch do not want their black type to be considered unimportant

[curious]

22 minutes ago, Wingman said:

You cannot help yourself can you chief stipe. No problem with my reason but criticizing my use of a single word. Mediocre means ordinary, neither good or bad. Antipathy means  aversion/repugnance and my point is that NZ/Aus is tumbling towards antipathy if we continue on the path the executive of racing keep pushing us down. We may be getting close to our Group black type being considered  mediocre but my using antipathy is 100% correct  because with every incorrect correction of the pattern based on short term profit we to requote myself, 'tumble towards antipathy'. On the street antipathy  equates to indifference/unimportant and I am sure every breeder in this country and across the ditch do not want their black type to be considered unimportant

It's rather odd in a way that it is the breeders that have actually pushed what has led to that. As above, I think Messara grasps that but hasn't got his message across six years on.

Edited 15 hours ago by curious

[Freda]

10 hours ago, Wingman said:

Thanks for putting up the Messara interview Curious, a must watch imo.  Telling that he considers a 5 million Everest would still attract the same top class fields and provide more revenue for lower grade racing. (Accepting that a sizeable chunk of the other 15m is outside capital) 

The bit that particularly interested me was the bit about 'providing more revenue for lower grade racing '.

Our administration hasn't got to grips with that concept at all.

[Doomed]

1 hour ago, Freda said:

The bit that particularly interested me was the bit about 'providing more revenue for lower grade racing '.

Our administration hasn't got to grips with that concept at all.

And yet they liked everything else that he suggested. His suggestion that putting a disproportionate amount of stakes into a few top races is a waste of money doesn't fit with the overall agenda.

[Chief Stipe]

11 hours ago, Wingman said:

You cannot help yourself can you chief stipe. No problem with my reason but criticizing my use of a single word. Mediocre means ordinary, neither good or bad.

Play the man if you wish.  It's common on racing forums and is indicative of the malaise affecting racing.  In that respect antipathy applies.

I used the word mediocrity because I believe it more aptly describes where our Group racing is heading.

11 hours ago, Wingman said:

On the street antipathy  equates to indifference/unimportant and I am sure every breeder in this country and across the ditch do not want their black type to be considered unimportant

So not repugnant?

The issue isn't about what people feel - leave that to the marketers and their hype that tell us the introduction of ENTAIN has turned things around.

The issue is about doing the right things to achieve excellence in all aspects of racing.  Some of those things may be repugnant to some.  For example does a pattern that is now dominated by sweepstake races, novelty races and slot races serve to achieve excellence or does it promote mediocrity? 

[curious]

4 hours ago, Freda said:

The bit that particularly interested me was the bit about 'providing more revenue for lower grade racing '.

Our administration hasn't got to grips with that concept at all.

Correct. He did acknowledge however that there is a place and a rationale for these "aspirational" races. I agree. What was disappointing to me about the interview was when Messara said that some of the recommendations have not been implemented and mentioned the stakes distribution issue, Guerin didn't follow up with the standard interviewing question "what else?" hasn't been done. Instead he moved on to another topic. The recommendation to spend $90 million on infrastructure of the remaining tracks over the 6 years while other tracks were closed is certainly missing. Witness Hastings where they now are finally going to spend the money and do the job properly.

[Huey]

14 hours ago, curious said:

It is a restricted sales race. Can never achieve Group status. Nor the KM for that matter. Won't ever happen.

I've been told many many things won't happen in the racing game over the years, I've learned to never say never.