Thoroughbred Breeders Australia has welcomed Racing Australia's decision to introduce an amnesty on outstanding Foal Ownership Declarations from the 2024 and 2025 foal crops.
The amnesty will provide breeders with an additional two-week window to resolve outstanding declarations and ensure affected horses remain eligible to race, by 5:30 p.m. AEST, Tuesday, April 14.
The amnesty will apply to all late Foal Ownership Declarations for foals born in the 2024 and 2025 seasons, including those subject to ongoing appeals, as well as those who have not yet appealed or whose appeals have been unsuccessful.
Provided the Foal Ownership Declaration is submitted by the deadline, these horses will not be subject to an embargo from racing.
TBA Chief executive officer Andrew Hore-Lacy said the decision is a constructive move that recognizes the challenges experienced by breeders across the industry.
"This is a positive step from Racing Australia and we welcome the sensible decision to resolve these cases," Hore-Lacy said. "Over recent months, both Racing Australia and breeders have gained a much clearer understanding of where the pressure points are within the current system. What has become evident is that the vast majority of cases were not deliberate breaches, but administrative errors or miscommunications about who would lodge the Foal Ownership Declaration."
Hore-Lacy said the decision would provide significant relief for breeders, many of whom had been facing uncertainty about the future of their horses.
"For breeders, these horses represent years of planning, investment and care," he said. "The reassurance in knowing that those impacted horses can now move forward and have a future on the track will be felt right across the industry."
TBA is urging all breeders to take immediate action to ensure any outstanding Foal Ownership Declarations are submitted by 5:30 p.m. AEST on April 14.
"Our focus now is on making sure every outstanding Foal Ownership Declaration is completed within this window," Hore-Lacy said. "We strongly encourage all breeders to review their records and act promptly."
Hore-Lacy said TBA would continue to work closely with Racing Australia on longer-term improvements to the technological platform ahead of this year's breeding season.
"We remain committed to working with Racing Australia on practical improvements that support compliance, while ensuring the system is fair and workable for breeders," he said.
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
