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9.
Aussie
racehorse owners back internationals
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01/11/2002 |
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A
meeting of the Australian State Racehorse Owners Associations in Melbourne today
supported the participation of international horses in Australia’s best races.
Spokesperson Gary Gray said
“The meeting which represented owners from six states took the view that
Australian racing is ‘open’ racing.
"We welcome all corners whether from New Zealand, the UK or Dubai, on the
condition that those horses competing participate on the same terms as
Australian owners participate.
"That is to say, they should pay their own way and take their chances of
getting a run within the conditions of the race entered.”
The Australian Owners Associations do not support the subsidisation of
international visitors. Gray said
“There is great stake-money available in Australia and that should be enough
of an attraction for international owners.
“We cannot support the visitors being subsidised at the expense of local
owners.”
Gray continued,
“Having said that, bring on the competition!
“Australia is a great international competitor in most sports, why should
racing be any different.
“The great New Zealander Sunline has taken more than $10million out of
Australia in the past few years and every Australian racing fan has loved it.
“Why should the UK or Dubai be any different?
“We want their best horses here, so we can beat them, just like we beat the
Poms at cricket, tennis, rugby and other international sports.
"If we can’t beat them, perhaps breeders will refocus on the
‘stayers’ market and Australian buyers will see the value in investing in
horses that can win the best staying races."
TROA News release
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