News

Racing industry assets join forces

18th Sep 2014

Racenet - Nic Ashman - Wednesday, 17 September 2014

A major consolidation of Australian racing industry assets is underway with the Australian Racing Board (ARB), Racing Information Services Australia (RISA) and the Australian Stud Book (ASB) merging to form a new national body ‘Racing Australia’.

Each of the eight states around the country as well as Territory Principal Racing Authorities (PRAs), which are the shareholders of both the ARB and RISA, have agreed to the switch.

The ASB has been acquired from its joint owners the Victoria Racing Club (VRC) and Australian Turf Club (ATC) by RISA as a prelude to its integration into Racing Australia.

The consolidation of the databases of the ASB and RISA will provide cost savings to the industry.

ARB chairman John Messara said the Stud Book would retain its unique identity into the future and be bolstered by a breeders’ advisory committee for the first time.

"The keeper of the Stud Book, Jacqueline Stewart, leads a very good team and we look forward to working with her to strengthen and expand the role and functions of the Stud Book in the interests of breeders and racing alike,” Messara said.

"The custodianship of the Stud Book by the VRC and ATC over 103 years has seen it take its place as one of the most innovative and respected stud books in the world.”

The formation of Racing Australia is expected to provide a product with greater integrity to the numerous products that currently exist.

"Bringing the registries, information and rules under the one umbrella makes perfect sense,” RISA chairman Charles Macek said.

"Whilst the PRAs continue their current role of policy implementation and regulation, they have united to form Racing Australia to strengthen integrity oversight and industry efficiencies.”