‘Clarity and confidence’: Breeders urge Pattern resolution

Australia’s breeders’ representative body has called for clarity in the escalating debate over the national black-type Pattern, saying it isn’t interested in playing politics with something that has such a major impact on its members’ livelihoods.

While internationally the Asian Pattern Committee discussed the direction of the Australian pattern last Friday, domestically, the breakdown of an interstate agreement over the black-type calendar has become a complex and heated issue.

Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA), the peak representative body for the breeding industry, issued a notice to its members on Monday, saying it recognises the gravity of the current uncertainty for the industry.

“We want to reassure you that we are actively engaged with the organisations currently charged with administering the system,” the TBA statement said.

Basil Nolan, TBA chairman, said it was important for the difficult politics of the Pattern situation to be put aside for the betterment of the industry.

“There’s been a lot of positioning in recent weeks, but we shouldn’t lose sight of the fact that Pattern decisions flow straight through to breeders and their livelihoods,” Nolan said.

“TBA isn’t interested in the politics, we’re interested in solutions. We work with every part of the industry, and we’re ready to play a constructive role in helping restore a Pattern framework that everyone can have confidence in.”

In its statement, TBA said it saw the merit in exploring an independent, industry-wide structure to help ensure the Pattern is managed in the long-term interests of all participants.

“TBA’s focus is on helping the industry move as quickly as possible. Breeders, owners, sales companies and international buyers all rely on a system that is transparent, credible and free from unnecessary disruption, and which supports long-term confidence and investment across the industry. We will continue to encourage the cooperation needed to achieve that,” it said.

While not specifically addressed at any particular party, it is clear that there is growing frustration with the inability to resolve differences that occurred around the Racing Australia board table.

It comes after Racing NSW chair Saranne Cooke issued a public notice to participants last week seeking to address what she said was misinformation about her body’s role in the impasse.

“Because Racing NSW supported the internationally agreed Guidelines, the current situation is not the result of any action taken by Racing NSW. Instead, it stems from Racing Australia’s decision not to approve the internationally endorsed revisions,” she said.

Antony Thompson, chairman of Aushorse, TBA’s marketing arm, and principal of Widden Stud, said the lack of certainty was in danger of causing significant issues for the industry.  

“Australia’s reputation in the global bloodstock market relies on having a Pattern that both international and domestic buyers can trust,” he said.

“With so much attention on the current situation, it’s important that we focus on supporting clarity and confidence. Aushorse engages with buyers from all over the world, and they consistently tell us they value certainty.

“Our aim is simply to help the industry arrive at a structure that supports long-term investment and ensures Australia remains a compelling and highly attractive marketplace for global buyers.”

The Australian industry’s failure to clarify its Pattern situation with the Asian Pattern Committee has left open the possibility that Australia could be demoted to Book 2 of the international Blue Book.

That possibility, although described by some insiders as a remote chance, would place a major strain on ongoing bloodstock values.

Meanwhile, the Asian Pattern Committee meets again in two weeks, where Australia’s failure to submit updated black-type guidelines for intentional dissemination is set to be further discussed.