14 RACING AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT 2021 Racing Australia is responsible for providing a regulatory framework which governs the industry’s effective operation. Key to this is our maintenance of a strong set of national rules, robust policies and procedures and delivery of reliable genetic testing – all of which seek to ensure that racing functions at the highest level of integrity, participants can operate in a safe and healthy workplace and positive equine welfare outcomes are achieved. INTEGRITY During the 2020/21 racing season, the Australian Rules of Racing were updated in February and May 2021, with 15 new or amended rules to strengthen integrity and safety measures. Some highlights include: • a new rule prohibiting blood doping • broadening of prohibited substances rules applicable to the presentation of horses at all official trials • stricter rules prohibiting jockeys from betting on races locally and internationally • a new rule restricting jockeys from receiving tactical riding instructions from anyone but the horse’s trainer or owners • new rules prohibiting the possession and administration of injectable cobalt salts • improved safety light requirements for jockeys riding in limited light Racing Australia has also continued to play an important role in the development of international racing policy and regulation, including through its involvement with the Asian Racing Federation (ARF) and International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA). We maintain a strong set of national rules, robust policies and procedures and delivery of reliable genetic testing – all of which seek to ensure that racing functions at the highest level of integrity. INTEGRITY REPORT TRACEABILITY In May 2021, the most significant welfare reforms since 2016 came into effect via a suite of new traceability rules, giving racing authorities a greater ability to track horses to help support improved equine welfare outcomes. Racing Australia successfully initiated, developed and drafted (in consultation with PRAs and industry stakeholders) the rules, which greatly improve transparency of horse status, movements and ownership throughout the entire horse life cycle. DISPUTE RESOLUTION At various times since Racing Australia’s introduction of the Trainer and Owner Reforms (TOR) in 2017, we have modified the scheme to ensure it continues to fulfil its intended function of providing a framework that regulates trainer/owner and owner/owner relationships. On 1 August 2021 a new TOR rule came into force to restrict owners with training debts from entering into the ownership of other horses while such debts are outstanding. It has already proved highly effective in enabling trainers to recoup debts they otherwise would have struggled to recover. Further, with the addition of a dedicated Disputes Coordinator in early 2021, we are now able to play a more active role in helping trainers and owners resolve fee disputes and assisting owners with ownership issues. Matt Orr General Manager Legal & Regulation
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy ODA1NTI=