QTIS Changes

The new QTIS scheme announced by Racing Queensland on 11 August has resulted in owners who wish to have their horse registered for QTIS having to pay a minimum $990 per horse. If the horse is a breed back proposition the minimum payment per horse is $2,772. To be eligible for QTIS registration under the new scheme both the breeder’s payment of $350 and the owner’s payment are required.

The QTIS 600 scheme, which was bought in as measure to help the industry recover from EI, will cease with the current crop of QTIS 600 registered horses.

The new QTIS scheme does provide for increase in prize money. It is regrettable that it is owners who will bear the substantial part of contributions to the scheme.

Litigation Abounds in the Racing Industry

Currently there are three major cases in relation to the racing industry before the courts.

Albion Park

In Queensland the matter of the sale of Albion Park is before Supreme Court Judge Justice Applegarth.

At question is what Mr Bentley said to the representatives of the Harness Board in relation to the sale of Albion Park as part of the negotiations for the merger of the three codes, thoroughbred, harness and greyhound.

Harness representatives are alleging that they were given an assurance that Albion Park would not be sold. Racing Queensland has subsequently put forward the sale of Albion Park as a cornerstone of its industry infrastructure plan.

Despite Justice Applegarth suggesting that a trial on the central issue of who said what would result in a quicker outcome, the parties have opted for a trail on all issues including an action for disclosure of documents, an action to strike out the central matter, an action for security of costs and an action for damages.

Corporate Bookmakers Appeal

The High Court of Australia in Canberra, Australia’s highest court, began hearing the appeal against the Federal Court decision in favour of Racing NSW in relation to the Race Fields Legislation. The appeal filed by corporate bookmakers Betfair and Sportsbet began on the 30 August.

The racing industry across Australia will be watching the outcome closely. At the heart of the matter is the Racing NSW claim that as the owners of the product, Nracing, they have a right to set the charges for their product which under the Race Fields Legislation NSW is 1.5% of total gambling turnover.

A win for Racing NSW would see a large increase in revenue returned to racing in NSW by the payment of !.5% of their total gambling turnover by corporate bookmakers to Racing NSW.

If the High Court finds in favour of Racing NSW and dismisses the corporate bookmakers appeal, other states may follow Racing NSW’s lead and impose higher fees on corporate bookmakers than those fees currently being paid.

Artificial Insemination for Thoroughbreds Case

Sydney businessman and horse breeder, Bruce McHugh, has a case before the Federal Court which alleges that the Australian Stud Book’s refusal to register thoroughbreds conceived by artificial insemination is a breach of the Trade Practices Act.

Artificial insemination is not allowed for registered racing thoroughbreds overseas or in Australia . If the Federal court should find in favour of Mr McHugh, Australia would be out of step with overseas countries.