In 2021 Racing Australia introduced rules to improve the horse traceability requirements in the Australian Rules of Racing.
The purpose of the traceability rules is to enhance and broaden the traceability of horses throughout the period of their life during which the racing industry has jurisdiction over them and relevant industry participants.
This greater transparency with respect to the status and movement of horses enables racing authorities to better track horses and, consequently, help ensure more positive equine welfare outcomes.
Participants are reminded of the below.
LR 15 Death of racehorses to be reported
The death of a registered racehorse and the cause of death (if known) must be reported promptly in writing to Racing Victoria:
(a) in the case of a horse in training, by the trainer responsible for the horse; and
(b) in any other case, by the person who has care, custody and control of the horse at the time of the horse’s death
AR 292 Death of unnamed horse
(1) Within 48 hours of the death of an unnamed horse, the manager or his or her authorised agent must notify Racing Australia of that fact by lodging the relevant form (including a Stable Return where applicable) prescribed by Racing Australia.
(2) A person must not dispose of a deceased unnamed horse without the written approval of Racing Australia or the relevant PRA unless a veterinary certificate as to cause of death is provided to Racing Australia or the relevant PRA.
(3) Any person who fails to comply with subrule (1) is not guilty of a breach of that subrule if he or she proves to the satisfaction of the Stewards that he or she was not aware, and could not reasonably have been aware, of the death of the horse
AR 299 Death of named horse
(1) Within 24 hours of the death of a named horse which has not been retired from racing in accordance with AR 297, the manager or his or her authorised agent must notify Racing Australia of that fact by lodging the relevant form (including a Stable Return where applicable) prescribed by Racing Australia.
(2) A person must not dispose of the deceased horse without the written approval of the relevant PRA unless a veterinary certificate as to cause of death is provided to the relevant PRA.
(3) Any person who fails to comply with subrule (1) is not guilty of a breach of that subrule if he or she proves to the satisfaction of the Stewards that he or she was not aware, and could not reasonably have been aware, of the death of the horse.