Racing Australia Forms Black Type Advisory Group

[Wandering Eyes]

Racing Australia has confirmed the formation of a Black Type Advisory Group (BTAG) in a statement published on Wednesday. The seven-member panel comprises Barry Bowditch, Sebastian Hutch, Antony Thompson, Andy Makiv, Adrian Hancock, Jon Freyer, and Duncan Grimley. Racing Australia said the group was selected to represent a broad cross-section of the industry and that none of the members serve on the board of Racing Australia, a principal racing authority or a race club.

The BTAG will provide independent advice on the programming of black-type races and recommendations on potential upgrades, downgrades and additions to the pattern to both Racing Australia and the Asian Pattern Committee.

Racing Australia chairman Rob Rorrison said the panel's expertise would be valuable “at this critical time” as Australia works to strengthen its black-type framework.

Thoroughbred Breeders Australia and Aushorse chief executive Andrew Hore-Lacy welcomed the group's formation. “Black type is the recognised measure of merit in thoroughbred racing and breeding, and it underpins the value of Australian-bred horses in both domestic and international markets,” Hore-Lacy said. “Maintaining the credibility and integrity of Australia's Pattern is therefore critically important to the long-term strength of the industry. “It is encouraging to see experienced breeders represented on the Black Type Advisory Group, including Aushorse chair Antony Thompson and TBA board member Andy Makiv. Their involvement will help ensure the perspective of breeders is part of the discussion as these matters are considered with a national focus and with Australia's international standing in mind.”

The advisory group was proposed after the Asian Pattern Committee informed Racing Australia last December that it would temporarily assume responsibility for black-type decisions in Australia under the authority of the Asian Racing Federation, following eight years without a meeting of Australia's Pattern Committee.

The post Racing Australia Forms Black Type Advisory Group appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

View the full article