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Letter of the Week

Breeding strange

Anyone still wondering why the Australian Pattern Committee continually makes such strange decisions need only read Richo’s interview with Alan Brown. I am referring to the section where Brown talks about the make-up of the committee.

Of 11 committee members with voting rights, two represent the breeding industry and another represents the selling agents. Just two speak for the race clubs while the other six represent the governing bodies in each state.

I find it incredible (but somehow not surprising) that breeders have as big a say on the rating of races as race clubs — arguably more when you factor in the breeders’ influence on the state authorities. Arrowfield Stud principal John Messara, for example, is also the chairman of Racing NSW.

As in most facets of racing, the people who fund the industry — punters and owners — have no say whatsoever.

Cam Smith
Fitzroy (Vic)
Today's Racing
Friday 29 March
Saturday 30 March
Sunday 31 March