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FROM THE MINISTER FOR RACING

DATE: Thursday, December 9, 1999


VICTORIA TO TRIAL NEW FORM OF RACING


The Minister for Racing, Mr Rob Hulls, has announced a first for Australian racing - with all three recognised breeds of racehorse to pit their skills against each other on the same day at the same venue.

The Australian thoroughbred, the Arabian and the Quarter horse will be racing together at Great Western Racing Club on Saturday, January 22, next year.

“This is an important moment for Australian racing and has the potential to expand the already booming Victorian racing industry,” Mr Hulls said.

“With possibly more overseas investment in the industry coming from this development, I hope all racing enthusiasts will embrace the move.

“In particular, the decision has the potential to further enhance country racing.”

The Australian thoroughbred is recognised internationally for its excellence, specialising in distances from 1000 to 3000 metres. The Arabian is undoubtedly the first known racehorse in the world, presently racing in all countries except Australia and New Zealand. The Quarter Horse races over shorter distances (400 metres) on a straight track, with explosions of speed.

The Racing Minister has issued a one-off permit for the trial at the Great Western race meeting. Decisions about any future race meetings will depend on the evaluation of the trial meeting. The decision is in line with ALP policy before the recent state election which supports the gradual development of specialist racing events such as Arabian Horse and Quarter Horse racing.

“I’d be encouraging all racegoers to support this event and take the opportunity to see these three great breeds racing at the same,“ Mr Hulls said.

The picturesque Great Western Racing Club is situated in the heart of the Grampians wine growing area - it’s one of Victoria’s longest established racing venues, with racing commencing there in 1859.

Also at today’s announcement was Maureen Milburn, secretary of the Victorian Arabian Jockey Club and jockey, Loretta Beckman, a champion Netherlands rider, who has ridden Arabs and thoroughbreds all over the world and will be part of the race at Great Western in January.