RACING AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 7 • Implementation of system development standards and formal quality control processes to ensure all development work is carried out to a high and repeatable standard. • Implementation of new processes to manage ongoing development requests from each of the Principal Racing Authorities (PRAs). The steps that have been taken over the 2022 – 2023 year have commenced the development of a solid base on which to effectively and efficiently manage the ongoing development of Racing Australia’s systems. In relation to the New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) Single National System (SNS) project, development on the project was paused in February 2023 whilst a review of its capabilities was undertaken by both Racing Australia and NZTR. The development team that was dedicated to that work was redeployed to other improvement projects that include: Mobile Application – to deliver an improved and reliable tool to allow identification of horses and update their location through a scanner linked to a mobile phone application. The updated application is due for initial release to PRAs in January 2024. Redevelopment of the My Horse Racing (MHR) system – Racing Australia has identified a number of issues with the MHR system in relation to functionality and ease of use. To address these issues, we have undertaken a complete rebuild of the system with a focus on ease of use and an ability to undertake multiple transactions at the same time. The first part of the updated system for owners is scheduled for release in June / July 2024 with further development planned to update the trainer functionality with a targeted completion of December 2024. Upgraded Stable Returns – to deliver standardised and integrated reporting of horse statuses thus improving traceability. Improved integration between the Australian Stud Book, Registrar of Racehorses and SNS – a key project to deliver improved data integrity and remove impediments to the traceability of horses. WELFARE AND SAFETY During the period Racing Australia commenced a review of jockey safety vests contracting Dr Andrew McIntosh to deliver a scoping report. This will be discussed by the Board to assess further actions in 2024. In December 2022, Racing Australia engaged with the PRAs to deliver a consensus position response to the Federal Government request for consultation on land transport under the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Livestock Land Transport. We are awaiting an eventual outcome of this work however we are extremely happy with the collaboration from all parties and the positive feedback from Government. During the period Racing Australia participated in the National Horse Traceability Working Group with a national agreement reached on a recommended National Horse Traceability System for all horses. In December 2022, the State Agriculture Ministers endorsed the Working Group’s recommended approach to development of a horse traceability system. A National Horse Traceability Implementation Taskforce is being formed to oversee the implementation and operation of the traceability system with work due to begin early 2024. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT The Equine Genetics Research Centre (EGRC) continues to expand the offering to the equine industry for genetics, DNA and disease control. In the 2021 breeding season, the EGRC became one of only a few equine genetics laboratories internationally that offer pathogen testing alongside traditional genetic testing. In 2022 – 2023, the initial pilot study was expanded to include some of the pathogens that commonly cause respiratory symptoms and abortions, alongside the original menu of Klebsiella pneumoniae capsule serotypes 1, 2, and 5, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa as the pre-breeding panel. REPORT INTO ONLINE GAMBLING During the year Racing Australia, in conjunction with the PRAs, engaged with the Federal Government to provide feedback on the 31 recommendations outlined in the Report into Online Gambling entitled “Inquiry into online gambling and its impacts on those experiencing gambling harm”. The changes outlined in this report have the potential to significantly impact the industry and jeopardise the livelihoods of the national 79k full time equivalent racing related jobs as well as the 12,700 breeding related jobs. Specific responses were put forward on advertising, inducements and definitions for exemptions. We look forward to further engagement with the Department of Communications on this matter over the coming months as it is a critical issue for Industry. AUSTRALIAN RULES OF RACING Throughout the year the Australian Rules of Racing were amended to strengthen welfare. The key amendments include: AR 88A and AR 88AA - Bisphosphonates Bisphosphonates are drugs that inhibit the normal biological mechanism for bone maintenance/repair, which can lead to an accumulation of micro-damage and bone fragility. In addition, they can also cause retention of calcified growth cartilage in skeletally immature animals, leading to developmental orthopaedic disease. Bisphosphonates are also potent analgesics and may disguise the signs of underlying serious orthopaedic injuries such as stress fractures in young animals. For these reasons, bisphosphonates should never be used in young, skeletally immature, athletic horses. Racing Australia has implemented rules to adopt the position:
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