You are receiving this email as you have a contact breeder number with the Australian Stud Book.

In 2016 Racing Australia implemented the Foal Ownership Declaration (FOD) to support welfare and traceability by establishing a responsible person for the foal from birth. As of 1 August 2025, there are new penalties and fee structure being introduced for non-compliance surrounding the rules AR285, AR286 and AR287

From 1 August 2025:

Mare Return/FOD's that are lodged before 30 days will be accepted and charged the current standard fee of $140.
Mare Return/FOD's that are lodged after 30 days but by 60 days will be accepted at the current standard fee of $140 but a late fee of $360 will be charged.
Mare Return/FOD's that are lodged after 60 days will be accepted and charged the current fee of $140 but the foal will be flagged as not eligible to race.

If you submit a Mare Return/FOD's after 60 days, you will be advised via email with an option to Appeal the ineligibility. An Appeal can only be upheld if special or exceptional circumstances are proven and supported by documentation. A fee of $500 will be charged for the Appeal which will be heard by an independent 3^rd party. If the Appeal is successful, the ineligibility to race will be removed and the Appeal fee will be refunded and the late fee of $360 charged.

Owners selling a horse must disclose to potential purchasers whether there has been compliance with the lodgement obligations. Similarly, potential purchasers should make enquiries of a vendor to satisfy themselves the horse is eligible to race.

For FAQ's associated with the process please click here and for information in regard to traceability please click here.

For further enquiries please email late.fods@racingaustralia.horse

Kind regards,
Racing Australia

Just another way to hit the grassroots Cry

Appalling money grab!

https://www.ttrausnz.com.au/edition/2025-07-09/racing-australia-implement-a-foal-declaration-crackdown? Article

5 min read

An enforcement policy from Racing Australia has lit a fuse under breeders across the country - foals whose ownership declarations aren’t lodged within 60 days of birth will be ruled ineligible to race. With one in six 2024-born foals already missing the 30-day deadline, the implications are serious: loss of racing rights, jeopardised yearling sale value, and a ripple effect on breeder livelihoods.

Cover image courtesy of The Image Is Everything

A crackdown on the Foal Ownership Declaration (FOD) process by Racing Australia could have significant consequences for breeders, with those who fail to lodge declarations on time risking their foal's eligibility, and consequently a portion of the foal crop could be ruled ineligible to race in Australia.

What the rules really mean

A new Australian Rule of Racing will mean that foals whose owners don’t complete the Foal Ownership Declaration on time, cannot race those foals in Australia under rules AR285, AR286 and AR287.

Under this proposed change, they will still be eligible for the Australian Stud Book, meaning they can be named, bred, and exported to race under other jurisdictions' racing rules.

Foals not registered with Racing Australia within 60 days of birth will be flagged as ineligible to race. While late declarations will still be processed, they now carry significant consequences.

The Racing Australia statement explains that, from August 1, 2024, Racing Australia introduced a process that required owners to provide a reason for lodging a late FOD via an online survey. Based on the results of this survey and feedback from the State Breeder Association, changes have been made.

The details

As outlined by Racing Australia, from 1 August 2025:

FODs that are lodged before 30 days will be accepted and charged the current standard fee of $140.

FODs that are lodged after 30 days but by 60 days will be accepted, but a late fee of $360 will be charged. This late fee replaces the current late fee of $125 if lodged after 30 days, and $200 if lodged in the following season.

FODs that are lodged after 60 days will be accepted and charged the current fee of $140 but the foal will be flagged as not eligible to race

Foal | Image courtesy of Sportpix

Further expanding, if a FOD has not been declared within the 60-day time frame, an email will be sent with an option to appeal the ineligibility. An Appeal can only be upheld if special or exceptional circumstances are proven and supported by documentation.

A fee of $500 will be charged for the Appeal which an independent third party will hear. If the Appeal is successful, the ineligibility to race will be removed and the Appeal fee will be refunded and the late fee of $360 charged.

Racing eligibility at risk

Of the 11,666 foals born in Australia in 2024, around one in six had not had their mandatory ownership and location declarations submitted to the Stud Book within the required 30-day timeframe.

Racing Australia recognises that ineligibility to register and race your horse in Australia is a serious consequence for owners failing to comply with their lodgement obligations. They have also clarified that anyone selling an unregistered foal must inform prospective buyers whether the required declarations have been submitted in accordance with the rules.

media&amptoken=4dde1c90-7b90-454a-82bd-34d25a6d365b

Similarly, potential purchasers should do their due diligence and make enquiries of a vendor to satisfy themselves the horse is eligible to be registered to race.

Eligibility to race in Australia could have a dramatic effect on yearling sale prices for a portion of the industry should breeders not be diligent in their paperwork processes.

TBA respond

Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA) quickly denounced the hardline position taken by Racing Australia that has the potential to see a significant number of foals born this year banned from racing.

TBA President Basil Nolan is calling for a more collaborative approach to simplify the system of submitting mare returns and registering foal ownership details.

media&amptoken=ce066b79-4175-4696-bb10-d9a0cffa1223

Nolan has stated through the TBA press release, “We are united in our desire to see improved traceability amidst our industry’s substantive efforts to advance equine welfare outcomes, however this aggressive approach taken by Racing Australia is an unfair and punitive attack on those people who are at the coalface of protecting our horses’ wellbeing: the breeders.

“Breeders have expressed frustration with the current system for lodging mare returns and foal ownership details, describing it as outdated and cumbersome, which not only slows the process but also impacts the time required to complete these returns.

“Rather than introducing harsh penalties that could cripple participants’ livelihoods and put their horses’ welfare at risk, we implore Racing Australia to direct their energies to improving their systems and making the registration of mares and foals a much easier and more efficient online process.

“We implore Racing Australia to direct their energies to improving their systems and making the registration of mares and foals a much easier and more efficient online process.” - Basil Nolan

“Like our fellow industry stakeholders, TBA wants to see all horses traceable from birth through to leaving the thoroughbred system, and we believe the way to achieve this is to make the process as simple as possible for our breeders.”

If it's the system that is the issue and not the actual process, could resources be better spent attempting to improve the existing system, or reaching a compromise that will not penalise so many breeders?

Racing Australia implement a foal declaration crackdown

Written by

Dane McLeod

< ="" =" variant-primary " style="font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 20px; line-height: 1.15; margin: 4px; overflow: ; appearance: ; border-radius: 3px; display: inline-flex; flex-direction: row; justify-: center; align-items: center; min-height: unset; padding: 4px 6px; border-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-weight: 300; color: rgb255, 255, 255; : rgb50, 63, 75; cursor: pointer; transition: 0.225s ease-out; outline: none; height: 32px; flex: 0 0 auto;">

Edition

< ="" =" variant-primary Print" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 20px; line-height: 1.15; margin: 4px; overflow: ; appearance: ; border-radius: 3px; display: inline-flex; flex-direction: row; justify-: center; align-items: center; min-height: unset; padding: 4px 6px; border-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-weight: 300; color: rgb255, 255, 255; : rgb50, 63, 75; cursor: pointer; transition: 0.225s ease-out; outline: none; height: 32px; flex: 0 0 auto;">

Article

5 min read

An enforcement policy from Racing Australia has lit a fuse under breeders across the country - foals whose ownership declarations aren’t lodged within 60 days of birth will be ruled ineligible to race. With one in six 2024-born foals already missing the 30-day deadline, the implications are serious: loss of racing rights, jeopardised yearling sale value, and a ripple effect on breeder livelihoods.

Cover image courtesy of The Image Is Everything

A crackdown on the Foal Ownership Declaration (FOD) process by Racing Australia could have significant consequences for breeders, with those who fail to lodge declarations on time risking their foal's eligibility, and consequently a portion of the foal crop could be ruled ineligible to race in Australia.

What the rules really mean

A new Australian Rule of Racing will mean that foals whose owners don’t complete the Foal Ownership Declaration on time, cannot race those foals in Australia under rules AR285, AR286 and AR287.

Under this proposed change, they will still be eligible for the Australian Stud Book, meaning they can be named, bred, and exported to race under other jurisdictions' racing rules.

Foals not registered with Racing Australia within 60 days of birth will be flagged as ineligible to race. While late declarations will still be processed, they now carry significant consequences.

The Racing Australia statement explains that, from August 1, 2024, Racing Australia introduced a process that required owners to provide a reason for lodging a late FOD via an online survey. Based on the results of this survey and feedback from the State Breeder Association, changes have been made.

The details

As outlined by Racing Australia, from 1 August 2025:

FODs that are lodged before 30 days will be accepted and charged the current standard fee of $140.

FODs that are lodged after 30 days but by 60 days will be accepted, but a late fee of $360 will be charged. This late fee replaces the current late fee of $125 if lodged after 30 days, and $200 if lodged in the following season.

FODs that are lodged after 60 days will be accepted and charged the current fee of $140 but the foal will be flagged as not eligible to race.

media&amptoken=c268ded9-02b9-41e9-8f60-539e28d58ec2

Further expanding, if a FOD has not been declared within the 60-day time frame, an email will be sent with an option to appeal the ineligibility. An Appeal can only be upheld if special or exceptional circumstances are proven and supported by documentation.

A fee of $500 will be charged for the Appeal which an independent third party will hear. If the Appeal is successful, the ineligibility to race will be removed and the Appeal fee will be refunded and the late fee of $360 charged.

Racing eligibility at risk

Of the 11,666 foals born in Australia in 2024, around one in six had not had their mandatory ownership and location declarations submitted to the Stud Book within the required 30-day timeframe.

Racing Australia recognises that ineligibility to register and race your horse in Australia is a serious consequence for owners failing to comply with their lodgement obligations. They have also clarified that anyone selling an unregistered foal must inform prospective buyers whether the required declarations have been submitted in accordance with the rules.

Similarly, potential purchasers should do their due diligence and make enquiries of a vendor to satisfy themselves the horse is eligible to be registered to race.

Eligibility to race in Australia could have a dramatic effect on yearling sale prices for a portion of the industry should breeders not be diligent in their paperwork processes.

TBA respond

Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA) quickly denounced the hardline position taken by Racing Australia that has the potential to see a significant number of foals born this year banned from racing.

TBA President Basil Nolan is calling for a more collaborative approach to simplify the system of submitting mare returns and registering foal ownership details.

Nolan has stated through the TBA press release, “We are united in our desire to see improved traceability amidst our industry’s substantive efforts to advance equine welfare outcomes, however this aggressive approach taken by Racing Australia is an unfair and punitive attack on those people who are at the coalface of protecting our horses’ wellbeing: the breeders.

“Breeders have expressed frustration with the current system for lodging mare returns and foal ownership details, describing it as outdated and cumbersome, which not only slows the process but also impacts the time required to complete these returns.

“Rather than introducing harsh penalties that could cripple participants’ livelihoods and put their horses’ welfare at risk, we implore Racing Australia to direct their energies to improving their systems and making the registration of mares and foals a much easier and more efficient online process.

“We implore Racing Australia to direct their energies to improving their systems and making the registration of mares and foals a much easier and more efficient online process.” - Basil Nolan

“Like our fellow industry stakeholders, TBA wants to see all horses traceable from birth through to leaving the thoroughbred system, and we believe the way to achieve this is to make the process as simple as possible for our breeders.”

If it's the system that is the issue and not the actual process, could resources be better spent attempting to improve the existing system, or reaching a compromise that will not penalise so many breeders?

Edited by Take2 - 09 Jul 2025 at 6:02pm

change is simply a destination on a journey reached by taking the first step (i said that) lol

www.3rdmillenniumbloodstock.com.au

Good article on the Aust/NZ breeding scene.

https://www.ttrausnz.com.au/edition/2025-07-21/breeding-drain-or-racing-gain-the-shrinking-foal-crop

What an almighty kick in the guts diomed after all that goes into breeding & then racing them Angry

Commiserations Broken Heart

It takes a wise man a lifetime to grow a tree and a fool five minutes to kill one.

Author	Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic
Nobody Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Champion Joined: 23 Oct 2011 Status: Offline Points: 1312	Post Options Post Reply Quote Nobody Report Post Thanks(1) Quote Reply Topic: Mare Returns and Foal declarations Posted: 08 Jul 2025 at 10:50pm
	You are receiving this email as you have a contact breeder number with the Australian Stud Book. In 2016 Racing Australia implemented the Foal Ownership Declaration (FOD) to support welfare and traceability by establishing a responsible person for the foal from birth. As of 1 August 2025, there are new penalties and fee structure being introduced for non-compliance surrounding the rules AR285, AR286 and AR287 From 1 August 2025: Mare Return/FOD's that are lodged before 30 days will be accepted and charged the current standard fee of $140. Mare Return/FOD's that are lodged after 30 days but by 60 days will be accepted at the current standard fee of $140 but a late fee of $360 will be charged. Mare Return/FOD's that are lodged after 60 days will be accepted and charged the current fee of $140 but the foal will be flagged as not eligible to race. If you submit a Mare Return/FOD's after 60 days, you will be advised via email with an option to Appeal the ineligibility. An Appeal can only be upheld if special or exceptional circumstances are proven and supported by documentation. A fee of $500 will be charged for the Appeal which will be heard by an independent 3^rd party. If the Appeal is successful, the ineligibility to race will be removed and the Appeal fee will be refunded and the late fee of $360 charged. Owners selling a horse must disclose to potential purchasers whether there has been compliance with the lodgement obligations. Similarly, potential purchasers should make enquiries of a vendor to satisfy themselves the horse is eligible to race. For FAQ's associated with the process please click here and for information in regard to traceability please click here. For further enquiries please email late.fods@racingaustralia.horse Kind regards, Racing Australia

Nobody Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Champion Joined: 23 Oct 2011 Status: Offline Points: 1312	Post Options Post Reply Quote Nobody Report Post Thanks(1) Quote Reply Posted: 08 Jul 2025 at 10:54pm
	I understand the need to drive change in behaviour with breeders and timely action on records. However making it a money grab is deplorable. How can someone justify a late fee of $360 for submitting between 30 and 60 days. There is no justifcation for that fee whatsover.

brave_ponies Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Champion Joined: 06 Sep 2013 Location: Sydney Status: Offline Points: 7666	Post Options Post Reply Quote brave_ponies Report Post Thanks(1) Quote Reply Posted: 08 Jul 2025 at 11:24pm
	Just another way to hit the grassroots Appalling money grab!

Take2 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Champion Joined: 04 Mar 2007 Location: Australia Status: Offline Points: 7059	Post Options Post Reply Quote Take2 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 09 Jul 2025 at 9:40am
	The name of the game for ANYTHING and EVERYTHING to do with thoroughbreds, they can't even guarantee the stud book or keep entries up to date, yet "tax" the industry through subscription charges NZ, last look do not charge for thei online version of their studbook Edited by Gay3 - 09 Jul 2025 at 11:31am
	change is simply a destination on a journey reached by taking the first step (i said that) lol www.3rdmillenniumbloodstock.com.au

Take2 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Champion Joined: 04 Mar 2007 Location: Australia Status: Offline Points: 7059	Post Options Post Reply Quote Take2 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 09 Jul 2025 at 5:58pm
	https://www.ttrausnz.com.au/edition/2025-07-09/racing-australia-implement-a-foal-declaration-crackdown? Article 5 min read An enforcement policy from Racing Australia has lit a fuse under breeders across the country - foals whose ownership declarations aren’t lodged within 60 days of birth will be ruled ineligible to race. With one in six 2024-born foals already missing the 30-day deadline, the implications are serious: loss of racing rights, jeopardised yearling sale value, and a ripple effect on breeder livelihoods. Cover image courtesy of The Image Is Everything A crackdown on the Foal Ownership Declaration (FOD) process by Racing Australia could have significant consequences for breeders, with those who fail to lodge declarations on time risking their foal's eligibility, and consequently a portion of the foal crop could be ruled ineligible to race in Australia. What the rules really mean A new Australian Rule of Racing will mean that foals whose owners don’t complete the Foal Ownership Declaration on time, cannot race those foals in Australia under rules AR285, AR286 and AR287. Under this proposed change, they will still be eligible for the Australian Stud Book, meaning they can be named, bred, and exported to race under other jurisdictions' racing rules. Foals not registered with Racing Australia within 60 days of birth will be flagged as ineligible to race. While late declarations will still be processed, they now carry significant consequences. The Racing Australia statement explains that, from August 1, 2024, Racing Australia introduced a process that required owners to provide a reason for lodging a late FOD via an online survey. Based on the results of this survey and feedback from the State Breeder Association, changes have been made. The details As outlined by Racing Australia, from 1 August 2025: FODs that are lodged before 30 days will be accepted and charged the current standard fee of $140. FODs that are lodged after 30 days but by 60 days will be accepted, but a late fee of $360 will be charged. This late fee replaces the current late fee of $125 if lodged after 30 days, and $200 if lodged in the following season. FODs that are lodged after 60 days will be accepted and charged the current fee of $140 but the foal will be flagged as not eligible to race Foal \| Image courtesy of Sportpix Further expanding, if a FOD has not been declared within the 60-day time frame, an email will be sent with an option to appeal the ineligibility. An Appeal can only be upheld if special or exceptional circumstances are proven and supported by documentation. A fee of $500 will be charged for the Appeal which an independent third party will hear. If the Appeal is successful, the ineligibility to race will be removed and the Appeal fee will be refunded and the late fee of $360 charged. Racing eligibility at risk Of the 11,666 foals born in Australia in 2024, around one in six had not had their mandatory ownership and location declarations submitted to the Stud Book within the required 30-day timeframe. Racing Australia recognises that ineligibility to register and race your horse in Australia is a serious consequence for owners failing to comply with their lodgement obligations. They have also clarified that anyone selling an unregistered foal must inform prospective buyers whether the required declarations have been submitted in accordance with the rules. < ="light-toggle" style="font: inherit; margin: 0px; overflow: ; appearance: ; -: none; -: initial; -size: initial; -repeat: initial; -attachment: initial; -origin: initial; -clip: initial; border-width: initial; border-style: none; border-color: initial; padding: 0px; cursor: pointer; outline: inherit; width: 684.78px; : relative; display: block;"> Foals playing \| Image courtesy of Sportpix Similarly, potential purchasers should do their due diligence and make enquiries of a vendor to satisfy themselves the horse is eligible to be registered to race. Eligibility to race in Australia could have a dramatic effect on yearling sale prices for a portion of the industry should breeders not be diligent in their paperwork processes. TBA respond Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA) quickly denounced the hardline position taken by Racing Australia that has the potential to see a significant number of foals born this year banned from racing. TBA President Basil Nolan is calling for a more collaborative approach to simplify the system of submitting mare returns and registering foal ownership details. < ="light-toggle" style="font: inherit; margin: 0px; overflow: ; appearance: ; -: none; -: initial; -size: initial; -repeat: initial; -attachment: initial; -origin: initial; -clip: initial; border-width: initial; border-style: none; border-color: initial; padding: 0px; cursor: pointer; outline: inherit; width: 684.78px; : relative; display: block;"> Basil Nolan \| Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything Nolan has stated through the TBA press release, “We are united in our desire to see improved traceability amidst our industry’s substantive efforts to advance equine welfare outcomes, however this aggressive approach taken by Racing Australia is an unfair and punitive attack on those people who are at the coalface of protecting our horses’ wellbeing: the breeders. “Breeders have expressed frustration with the current system for lodging mare returns and foal ownership details, describing it as outdated and cumbersome, which not only slows the process but also impacts the time required to complete these returns. “Rather than introducing harsh penalties that could cripple participants’ livelihoods and put their horses’ welfare at risk, we implore Racing Australia to direct their energies to improving their systems and making the registration of mares and foals a much easier and more efficient online process. “We implore Racing Australia to direct their energies to improving their systems and making the registration of mares and foals a much easier and more efficient online process.” - Basil Nolan “Like our fellow industry stakeholders, TBA wants to see all horses traceable from birth through to leaving the thoroughbred system, and we believe the way to achieve this is to make the process as simple as possible for our breeders.” If it's the system that is the issue and not the actual process, could resources be better spent attempting to improve the existing system, or reaching a compromise that will not penalise so many breeders? Racing Australia implement a foal declaration crackdown Written by Dane McLeod < ="" =" variant-primary " style="font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 20px; line-height: 1.15; margin: 4px; overflow: ; appearance: ; border-radius: 3px; display: inline-flex; flex-direction: row; justify-: center; align-items: center; min-height: unset; padding: 4px 6px; border-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-weight: 300; color: rgb255, 255, 255; : rgb50, 63, 75; cursor: pointer; transition: 0.225s ease-out; outline: none; height: 32px; flex: 0 0 auto;"> Edition < ="" =" variant-primary Print" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 20px; line-height: 1.15; margin: 4px; overflow: ; appearance: ; border-radius: 3px; display: inline-flex; flex-direction: row; justify-: center; align-items: center; min-height: unset; padding: 4px 6px; border-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-weight: 300; color: rgb255, 255, 255; : rgb50, 63, 75; cursor: pointer; transition: 0.225s ease-out; outline: none; height: 32px; flex: 0 0 auto;"> Article 5 min read An enforcement policy from Racing Australia has lit a fuse under breeders across the country - foals whose ownership declarations aren’t lodged within 60 days of birth will be ruled ineligible to race. With one in six 2024-born foals already missing the 30-day deadline, the implications are serious: loss of racing rights, jeopardised yearling sale value, and a ripple effect on breeder livelihoods. Cover image courtesy of The Image Is Everything A crackdown on the Foal Ownership Declaration (FOD) process by Racing Australia could have significant consequences for breeders, with those who fail to lodge declarations on time risking their foal's eligibility, and consequently a portion of the foal crop could be ruled ineligible to race in Australia. What the rules really mean A new Australian Rule of Racing will mean that foals whose owners don’t complete the Foal Ownership Declaration on time, cannot race those foals in Australia under rules AR285, AR286 and AR287. Under this proposed change, they will still be eligible for the Australian Stud Book, meaning they can be named, bred, and exported to race under other jurisdictions' racing rules. Foals not registered with Racing Australia within 60 days of birth will be flagged as ineligible to race. While late declarations will still be processed, they now carry significant consequences. The Racing Australia statement explains that, from August 1, 2024, Racing Australia introduced a process that required owners to provide a reason for lodging a late FOD via an online survey. Based on the results of this survey and feedback from the State Breeder Association, changes have been made. The details As outlined by Racing Australia, from 1 August 2025: FODs that are lodged before 30 days will be accepted and charged the current standard fee of $140. FODs that are lodged after 30 days but by 60 days will be accepted, but a late fee of $360 will be charged. This late fee replaces the current late fee of $125 if lodged after 30 days, and $200 if lodged in the following season. FODs that are lodged after 60 days will be accepted and charged the current fee of $140 but the foal will be flagged as not eligible to race. < ="light-toggle" style="font: inherit; margin: 0px; overflow: ; appearance: ; -: none; -: initial; -size: initial; -repeat: initial; -attachment: initial; -origin: initial; -clip: initial; border-width: initial; border-style: none; border-color: initial; padding: 0px; cursor: pointer; outline: inherit; width: 684.78px; : relative; display: block;"> Foal \| Image courtesy of Sportpix Further expanding, if a FOD has not been declared within the 60-day time frame, an email will be sent with an option to appeal the ineligibility. An Appeal can only be upheld if special or exceptional circumstances are proven and supported by documentation. A fee of $500 will be charged for the Appeal which an independent third party will hear. If the Appeal is successful, the ineligibility to race will be removed and the Appeal fee will be refunded and the late fee of $360 charged. Racing eligibility at risk Of the 11,666 foals born in Australia in 2024, around one in six had not had their mandatory ownership and location declarations submitted to the Stud Book within the required 30-day timeframe. Racing Australia recognises that ineligibility to register and race your horse in Australia is a serious consequence for owners failing to comply with their lodgement obligations. They have also clarified that anyone selling an unregistered foal must inform prospective buyers whether the required declarations have been submitted in accordance with the rules. < ="light-toggle" style="font: inherit; margin: 0px; overflow: ; appearance: ; -: none; -: initial; -size: initial; -repeat: initial; -attachment: initial; -origin: initial; -clip: initial; border-width: initial; border-style: none; border-color: initial; padding: 0px; cursor: pointer; outline: inherit; width: 684.78px; : relative; display: block;"> Foals playing \| Image courtesy of Sportpix Similarly, potential purchasers should do their due diligence and make enquiries of a vendor to satisfy themselves the horse is eligible to be registered to race. Eligibility to race in Australia could have a dramatic effect on yearling sale prices for a portion of the industry should breeders not be diligent in their paperwork processes. TBA respond Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA) quickly denounced the hardline position taken by Racing Australia that has the potential to see a significant number of foals born this year banned from racing. TBA President Basil Nolan is calling for a more collaborative approach to simplify the system of submitting mare returns and registering foal ownership details. < ="light-toggle" style="font: inherit; margin: 0px; overflow: ; appearance: ; -: none; -: initial; -size: initial; -repeat: initial; -attachment: initial; -origin: initial; -clip: initial; border-width: initial; border-style: none; border-color: initial; padding: 0px; cursor: pointer; outline: inherit; width: 684.78px; : relative; display: block;"> Basil Nolan \| Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything Nolan has stated through the TBA press release, “We are united in our desire to see improved traceability amidst our industry’s substantive efforts to advance equine welfare outcomes, however this aggressive approach taken by Racing Australia is an unfair and punitive attack on those people who are at the coalface of protecting our horses’ wellbeing: the breeders. “Breeders have expressed frustration with the current system for lodging mare returns and foal ownership details, describing it as outdated and cumbersome, which not only slows the process but also impacts the time required to complete these returns. “Rather than introducing harsh penalties that could cripple participants’ livelihoods and put their horses’ welfare at risk, we implore Racing Australia to direct their energies to improving their systems and making the registration of mares and foals a much easier and more efficient online process. “We implore Racing Australia to direct their energies to improving their systems and making the registration of mares and foals a much easier and more efficient online process.” - Basil Nolan “Like our fellow industry stakeholders, TBA wants to see all horses traceable from birth through to leaving the thoroughbred system, and we believe the way to achieve this is to make the process as simple as possible for our breeders.” If it's the system that is the issue and not the actual process, could resources be better spent attempting to improve the existing system, or reaching a compromise that will not penalise so many breeders? Edited by Take2 - 09 Jul 2025 at 6:02pm
	change is simply a destination on a journey reached by taking the first step (i said that) lol www.3rdmillenniumbloodstock.com.au

Heavenly Glow Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Champion Joined: 25 Aug 2009 Location: Melbourne Status: Offline Points: 1575	Post Options Post Reply Quote Heavenly Glow Report Post Thanks(1) Quote Reply Posted: 25 Oct 2025 at 9:07am
	Its a cash grab. The big breeders run the game. Racing Australia just get told what to do. I did a mare return the other day, and they told me it was put on hold due to a $300 debt - which I knew nothing of. Racing Victoria had dictated to Racing Australia to put a hold on the return. Do the big breeders get there mare returns put on hold? No, and they carry a lot of debt. There is rules for the rich, and rules for the poor, and Racing Australia just make the rules as they go. There really does need to be oversight. These organisations behave more like cartels, and do so without any oversight.

Freefall Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Champion Joined: 04 Dec 2013 Status: Offline Points: 8410	Post Options Post Reply Quote Freefall Report Post Thanks(1) Quote Reply Posted: 26 Oct 2025 at 10:02am
	Good article on the Aust/NZ breeding scene. https://www.ttrausnz.com.au/edition/2025-07-21/breeding-drain-or-racing-gain-the-shrinking-foal-crop

diomed Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Champion Joined: 16 Nov 2016 Location: Roscrea Status: Offline Points: 904	Post Options Post Reply Quote diomed Report Post Thanks(1) Quote Reply Posted: 31 Oct 2025 at 3:14am
	I live in Co Tipperary, Ireland. When I tried to register the name of my May 2025 filly foal with HRI (Horse Racing Ireland) I learned after a few weeks the name was not processed. When I phoned HRI I was told the form was in a pending file as she was not in the stud book. Then I contacted the boarding stud who filled out the stud book forms (online?), paid the fee to for registration Weatherbys (keepers of the General Stud Book), and I paid a fee the boarding stud. I have an account with HRI but can only learn my balance by telephoning their accounts. HRI took a fee for the filly naming from my account but I have no idea how much they charged. I thnik the authorities are living in their own universe. Owners/breeders in IRE/GB have to go through hoops to learn what is going on between the stud, the horse racing authorities, and the stud book authorities. The filly got her name but she died last Saturday.
	foalmare.com - my thoughts about pedigree

Gay3 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Moderator Group Joined: 19 Feb 2007 Location: Miners Rest Status: Offline Points: 55608	Post Options Post Reply Quote Gay3 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 31 Oct 2025 at 9:06am
	What an almighty kick in the guts diomed after all that goes into breeding & then racing them Commiserations
	It takes a wise man a lifetime to grow a tree and a fool five minutes to kill one.

Mare Returns and Foal declarations

What the rules really mean

The details

Racing eligibility at risk

TBA respond

Racing Australia implement a foal declaration crackdown

Written by

Dane McLeod

What the rules really mean

The details

Racing eligibility at risk

TBA respond