Queensland breeding newsletter

The long-awaited controversial case aimed at lifting the ban on artificial insemination for racehorse breeding began today.

The challenge was brought by Bruce McHugh, a former bookmaker and former Sydney Turf Club Chairman.

He argues AI is a restraint of trade that he wants overturned so that he can (according to the Sydney Morning Herald) breed horses at Tamworth and compete for major prize pools in big races.

The case is being strongly opposed by the TBA, Australian Racing Board and Australian Stud Book, fighting to maintain Australia’s international reputation and integrity.

The problem is that the International Stud Book only accepts horses that have been conceived naturally as being eligible to race and breed.

Therefore, if AI is introduced in Australia our horses eligiblity at  international races and sales will be called into question.

“Breeders are not opposed to AI,” said TBA CEO, Peter McGauran.

“The proponents are perfectly free to set up their own AI breeding and racing industry, but to mix it with the thoroughbred breed which is defined by natural coverings is to damage, if not destroy, our international market place in racing and breeding.

“You can’t unscramble the omlete.”

Legal costs could climb as high as $10 million, however when you consider Australia exports around 2500 horses to the tune of $200 million annually, it will hopefully be money well spent in guarding our future.

“If Australia goes unilaterally and is the only country in the world to introduce AI, then we would be excluded from the major jurisdications such as the UK, France, the US and most of Asia,” said Mr McGauran.

It goes without saying it would cripple our industry.

“It would be insane to do it,” said Mr McGauran.

The case is set to run until October 16 before Judge Alan Robertson, with testimony from over 40 witnesses.

Unfortunately we will have to wait until next year before the decision is handed down.

After an outstanding 2010-11, Queensland-bred again look like a force to be reckoned with this season.

The maroons dominated the first 2yo barrier trials of the new racing year, winning all three 400m heats that qualify for the prestigious Fitton Insurance Hopeful Plate at Toowoomba’s Clifford Park.

The Mark Webb trained Schweiz, by Oaklands Stud sire All Bar One, recorded the fastest time of the three heats with 0.23.37.

Glenlogan Park’s Jet Spur sired the second Colts and Geldings Heat winner, Strike Order, trained my Michael Nolan, with a time of 0.23.75.

Anjuree, by Riverside Thoroughbreds sire Bagger Vance, won the Fillies heat for trainer Ron McRae in a time of 0.23.67.

The much sought-after 1000m ‘Fitton’ is the State’s season-opening 2yo race and will be held at Clifford Park on September 24.

The second round of Fitton qualifiers, the 650m heats, will be held Tuesday week at Toowoomba.

Brisbane – Eagle Farm

Race 4: XXXX Gold Hcp 1500m – Racing Heart (Show A Heart)

Race  7: Sky Racing Hcp 1600m – River Lad (Top Echelon)

Race 8: Hardy Brothers Jewellers 1400m – Carry Me Bluey (Carry The Flag)

Race 9: Sky Racing World Hcp 1000m – Alpha Star (Sequalo)

Sydney – Warwick Farm

Race 2: Carousel 1400m – Tom’s Rocket (Moon Rocket)

The Southern Queensland institute of TAFE Horse Breeding course is entering its sixth week.

The students are gaining experience in basic horse care and handling, preparing mares for foaling, handling young horses including foals, weanlings and yearlings and much more.

All students are also gaining some great practical experience at local studs including Lyndhurst Stud, Raheen Stud, Noralla Stud, Benwerrin Stud, Clear Mountain Fairview and Woodwinds at Benwerrin Lodge.

A big thank you to these studs for their participation in the program.

For more information on course contact Kellie Monckton on 46604649.