IN THE CASE OF BRUCE McHUGH VS AUSTRALIAN JOCKEY CLUB LTD – NOW AUSTRALIAN TURF CLUB (first and sixth respondents), VICTORIA RACING CLUB LTD (second respondent) & others
Following is a statement from Australian Racing Board in relation to today’s Federal Court judgment:-
“The Australian Racing Board [ARB] welcomes the decision today of Justice Robertson in the Federal Court upholding the validity of the Australian Rules of Racing in respect of the definition of a Thoroughbred,” said ARB Chairman, The Hon. Michael Duffy.
“The ARB has maintained throughout that naturally-bred Thoroughbreds were the basis of the domestic and international sport of racing and AI proponents were free to establish their own industry as they wished.
“The long running case has created an element of uncertainty in the industry which will lift following this decision.“
Following is a statement from the Australian Stud Book Keeper and Spokesperson for ATC:-
“This is the right decision and we are pleased that the effect of the court’s decision is to protect the integrity of the Stud Book and Thoroughbred breeding in Australia,” said Australian Stud Book Keeper and Spokesperson, Mr Michael Ford.
“Because of the global market for breeding and racing of Thoroughbreds, and the rules on artificial breeding in other jurisdictions, the introduction of artificial insemination into Australian Thoroughbred breeding would have had serious consequences for our industry.
“This is a comprehensive victory for the hundreds of thousands of Australians who derive a livelihood from the Thoroughbred racing industry, which will now remain a significant driver of the Australian economy.”
Source : Racing NSW
