Page 4 - Australian Racing Board - Fact Book 2011/12

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The Australian Racing Board
is delighted to present the
Fourteenth Edition of the
Australian Racing Fact Book, our
annual reference guide to the
Australian thoroughbred racing
industry.
The ARB’s objective in publishing
the Fact Book is to draw together
in one publication the key results and statistics for the Australian
Thoroughbred industry for each season. While a number of books
and journals report in detail particular aspects of Australian racing
and breeding, it’s true to say that the Fact Book has established itself
as a valuable and reliable source of the broadest range of information
relating to Australian racing and breeding.
The facts and gures contained in the Fact Book speak for themselves.
However to place this statistical record in context, it is useful to
briefly touch on some of the standout achievements that have
occurred during the season under review.
Once again reigning Horse of theYear Black Caviar captured the
imagination of the nation and stamped herself as a racing legend of the
ages in taking all before her.The Peter Moody trained champion shone
at Royal Ascot this year by winning the Group 1 Diamond Jubilee
under duress to extend her unbeaten record to 22 victories.
The remarkable filly Atlantic Jewel continued to show her dominance
by taking her unbeaten record to 7 straight wins. Her last victory was
in the Group 1 All Aged stakes before injury halted her progression.
This victory against older horses and both sexes stamped her one of
Australia’s current greats of the turf.
Pierro launched himself as the champion 2yo being unbeaten in his
2yo campaign including winning Sydney’s famed triple crown, Golden
Slipper, ATC Sires Produce and the Champagne Stakes. His unbeaten
run only came to an end in the memorable Caufield Guineas where
his colours where lowered for the first time by the Team Hawkes
trained and Nathan Tinkler owned All Too Hard.
Stepping back to examine the broader canvas, in late March 2012
the High Court handed down its historic decision on NSW’s Race
Fields legislation. The decision upheld the validity of the legislation
empowering Racing NSW to impose a levy on wagering operators
for the benefit of all industry participants and stakeholders. It was
a watershed moment for the racing industry which has secured a
new income stream into the future. It is impossible to overstate the
importance of the decision to racing’s 50,000 employees and 381 race
clubs which conduct 19,168 races right around the year.These clubs
help produce $5 billion in gross domestic product, and host over 2
million Australians attending at least one race meeting a year.
The Australian breeding industry once again proved its resilience and
strength in the face of tough economic conditions by producing the
second-largest foal crop in the world, exporting to 18 countries.
Compiling the Fact Book depends on the co-operation of a range of
people and organisations, and the ARB extends its sincere thanks to
all of them for their willing assistance.
Finally, I would like to welcome on board the RISA team which has
compiled and published this year’s edition. I welcome the vast store
of data, information and expertise that RISA brings to the task. I fully
expect the collaboration to bear fruit in other areas of mutual benefit
to our two national organisations.
I wish you an informative and enjoyable reading of the 2011-12
Australian Racing Fact Book.
Peter McGauran
Chief Executive Officer
Australian Racing Board Limited
ARB Welcome