Holding Pattern – Racing Australia’s black-type paralysis rolls on

Hopes for immediate action on The Pattern of black type-racing have been dashed as Racing Australia opted not to act on recommendations that have been almost four years in the making.

Golden Eagle in 2023. — *The status of races such as the Golden Eagle remains unchanged despite a Racing Australia report into The Pattern. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)*

There has been no national approach on changes to the black-type calendar for over five years, leaving The Pattern in a stasis because of disagreement between the states over how it should evolve.

There was some optimism for movement when a report by a committee convened by Racing Australia in 2020 was set to be presented to the RA Board at its May meeting.

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