RACING AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT 2024 7 The steps that continue to be taken over the 2023 – 2024 year have further solidified the base on which we effectively and efficiently manage the ongoing development of Racing Australia’s systems. As reported last year, development on the New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) Single National System (SNS) project was paused in February 2023 whilst a review of its capabilities was undertaken by both Racing Australia and NZTR. It was subsequently decided to close the project down leading to Racing Australia recognising a $2.356 million impairment on the investment. The development team that was dedicated to that work was rationalised and 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 was successfully released in Q3 of 2024 to PRAs. It is currently undergoing further enhancements to provide additional functionality 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 undertook a complete review 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 was planned for release in June / July 2024 with further development planned to update the trainer functionality with a targeted completion of December 2024. These targets have not able to be achieved due to complexities in the existing code. MHR Owners is now scheduled to be delivered April 2025 with MHR Trainers to follow shortly after. The MHR Breeders application (planned for 2021 but never developed) will follow the re-release of the MHR Trainers system. 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 was successfully delivered paving the way for the replacement of the Australian Stud Book systems. Late Foal Ownership Declarations – a key project to close a gap in the traceability of the horse and to enforce the Australian Rules of Racing 285, 286, 287. Transfers in Progress – a key project for improving communications regarding the status of changes in ownership of horses to ensure that the correct owners receive their prizemoney payments. Sales House API – an ongoing project to automate the transfer of data between Racing Australia systems and the sales houses to reduce data entry requirements for changes of ownership due to sales. A major project that has been commenced and will continue over the next 12 months is the validation and verification of ASB, RoR and SNS users. This project is a critical component of standardising the access to and control of Racing Australia systems and is a necessary first step to the ultimate objective of being able to transact digitally. Further information will be provided to Industry as the Project progresses. In relation to Racing Australia’s role as a source of Racing Materials to Wagering Operators and Commercial users we have finalised a Wholesaler Agreement which will see Racing Australia move to a wholesale model with the appointment of 4 (or more) wholesalers to provide racing materials. This will allow Racing Australia to focus on compliance and pursue those organisations who use Australian Racing Materials without recompense to the industry. The transition to this new model is expected to be complete by June 2025. WELFARE AND SAFETY As noted last year Racing Australia engaged with the PRAs to deliver a consensus position response to the Federal Government on the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Livestock Land Transport. We have recently been able to review a draft standards document which appears to incorporate all Racing Australia’s feedback. Whilst there are still a number of steps to go before the standards and guidelines are adopted, we are happy with the outcome to date. In December 2022, the State Agriculture Ministers endorsed the National Horse Traceability Working Group’s recommended approach to development of a National Horse Traceability System. Racing Australia has continued involvement in this project through its role on the National Horse Traceability Implementation Taskforce. Racing Australia has maintained the position that the traceability systems in use by the Thoroughbred Industry are more than adequate and any national equine traceability system implemented should work within these existing traceability systems. Racing Australia strongly rejects any levy imposed on the Thoroughbred Industry to fund any new traceability systems. As part of the continuous improvements in equine welfare and traceability we have improved mandatory documentation relating to equine deaths and retirements. Racing Australia has provided for distribution, 1,400 jockey helmets that comply with the ARB HS2012 standard. These helmets have been made available to jockeys through the state PRAs at no cost. Following the delivery of the jockey safety vests scoping report, Racing Australia commenced an investigation into actions being taken to evaluate vests in international jurisdictions. The results of this investigation are currently being evaluated.
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