The Australian Pattern has a new set of gatekeepers with Racing Australia announcing the Black Type Advisory Group on Wednesday.
The group is devoid of any members of State Principal Authorities and race clubs but is stacked with some of the country’s smartest racing brains.
Magic Millions and Inglis boss Barry Bowditch and Sebastian Hutch represent the auction houses, while Jon Freyer, Duncan Grimley, Adrian Hancock and Anthony Thompson have many years of experience and a vast knowledge of racing and breeding, while Godolphin boss Andy Makiv represents the biggest overall racing operation in the country.
“We are delighted to have this highly credentialed group agree to provide their expertise at this critical time,” Racing Australia chairman Rob Rorrison said.
“Their independent view will undoubtedly be of great value to both the PRAs and the Asian Pattern Committee as they consider the composition of the Australian Black Type List.”
By not having a race club or PRA representation, it is hoped the Australian Pattern can be reviewed with an independent eye for the first time.
The group’s charter will be to provide feedback to the Racing Australia Board on the overall program of Listed and Group races.
It’s something that has stagnated over the past decade due to the fighting between Racing Victoria and Racing NSW.
Initially, the Group will be asked to offer on potential upgrades, downgrades, and additions to the Black Type List of races to both the relevant PRAs and the Asian Pattern Committee.
The Australian Pattern was taken over by the Asian Pattern Committee due to exceptional circumstances late last year.
The group will schedule its first meeting in the coming months.
