RACING AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT 2021 7 Racing Australia continues to support a world’s best approach to Equine Welfare. In May, 2021 Racing Australia implemented a series of rules and associated technological developments within the Single National System, the Australian Stud Book and myhorseracing.horse that empower Industry participants to share information around the location and status of Thoroughbreds in their care, whether unnamed, named, breeding or into retirement. The purpose of this was to continue to pursue the goal of whole of life traceability, which is the very foundation of Biosecurity and Welfare outcomes. Racing Australia plays a determinative role in international racing affairs, most specifically in advocating and contributing to governance reform of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA), culminating in affirmation of all recommendations at the 2021 Annual IFHA General Assembly. The impending appointment of Winfried EnglebrechtBresges as Chairman of the IFHA is further confirmation that the strength of international Thoroughbred racing is pivoting towards the Asian/Australasian region. Due to Asia’s ascendency the potential upside for the Australian racing and breeding industries is significant. The opportunity for Australian racing and breeding to capitalise on this emerging change is one that should play a role in our future. I would also like to express our profound gratitude to Louis Romanet following his retirement as IFHA Chairman. Louis has devoted a lifetime to the promotion and betterment of Thoroughbred racing, and we extend our sincere appreciation for his commitment to evolve the Sport of Racing beyond its historical heritage. Additionally, Racing Australia is an integral and prominent member of the Asian Racing Federation (ARF), the leading regional racing authority. On a frustrating note, the 39th Asian Racing Conference, due to be hosted by Racing Victoria in February 2022, was deferred to February 2023 as the ARF Executive Council determined that the ongoing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic would most likely compromise the EQUINE GENETICS RESEARCH CENTRE Racing Australia supports the developments being explored by the Equine Genetics Research Centre and the global role the team plays in championing an understanding of medical technology and the importance of staying in front of any issues that could foreseeably compromise the integrity of our sport. success of the conference if we persevered with the original date. Racing Australia’s performance in the 2020/21 financial year would not have been possible without the contribution of our executive and staff. I would also like to express my thanks to every representative from the PRAs on the Racing Australia Board. The Racing Australia Board farewells and thanks past Chair Frances Nelson QC who represented South Australia and retired in April 2021 and we welcome her replacement, Rob Rorrison . Ian Mackay who represented Canberra Racing Club, Tasracing and Thoroughbred Racing NT retired in June 2021. The Racing Australia Board thanks Ian for his contribution and welcomes Robyn Wishaw, from Tasmania, who replaces him. The Racing Australia Board continues to map out the future vision for our sport and I believe that maintaining unity across the Thoroughbred Industry will be the key to Australia’s future efficacy and success in an ever competitive and changing world. John Messara AM Independent Director & Chairman Australia has a dynamic and energetic Thoroughbred Racing and Breeding framework delivering returns to owners that are unprecedented.
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