News

Artificial insemination challenge defeated

20th Dec 2012

Racenet - Clinton Payne - Wednesday, 19 December 2012

Federal Court Justice Alan Robertson ruled against a legal challenge by former bookmaker and chairman of the Sydney Turf Club Bruce McHugh to current thoroughbred breeding laws in Australia.

McHugh lodged a legal challenge against the restriction of the traditional method of thoroughbred stallions covering mares under the Trades Practices Act.

"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,” Australian Stud Book Keeper Michael Ford said .

"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.”

The Australian Racing Board (ARB) welcomed the decision of Justice Robertson in Sydney’s Federal Court which they say upholds the validity of the Australian Rules of Racing in respect of the definition of a Thoroughbred.

"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,” ARB chairman Michael Duffy said.

"The long running case has created an element of uncertainty in the industry which will lift following this decision.”

It is unknown if McHugh and his supporters will appeal the decision.