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Wednesday, December 19, 2012Contact: Aki Akitani
+ 33 1 49 10 22 61
IFHA Press Release (19th December, 2012)

The Chairman of the International Federation of Horse Racing Authorities, Mr. Louis Romanet, has welcomed the Federal Court's decision in the artificial insemination challenge brought in Australia.

“The dismissal of the challenge is a good outcome and I welcome it. The definition of what is a thoroughbred is set out clearly in the International Agreement on Breeding, Racing and Wagering and is adopted by all of the IFHA Members countries throughout the world. It requires a natural covering." Louis Romanet, IFHA Chairman.

"I was pleased to be able to support the Australian racing and breeding authorities by giving evidence, as did IFHA Vice Chairman and Hong Kong Jockey Club Chief Executive Officer, Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges.”

“The Executive Council will now proceed to carefully consider the Federal Court's reasons for decision in this matter.”

Notes to Editors

1. The International Federation of Horseracing Authorities is the world body for thoroughbred racing. It is based in Paris. The International Agreement on Breeding, Racing and Wagering (IABRW) is promulgated by the IFHA.

2. Australia’s artificial insemination litigation was commenced by Mr. Bruce McHugh (McHugh vs Australian Jockey Club, Victoria Racing Club, Australian Racing Board and another) on two grounds:
  • alleged restraint of trade

  • alleged lessening of competition in a market (Trade Practices Act)

    • 3. At the request of the Australian Racing Board, evidence was given to the Federal Court by both IFHA Chairman, Louis Romanet and IFHA Vice Chairman and Hong Kong Jockey Club Chief Executive Officer, Winfred Engelbrecht-Bresges.

    4. The rules of the Federal Court provide a 21 day time limit for lodging an appeal.
    E-Mail : secretarygeneral@ifhaonline.org