Having received a request from the national peak body representing the Australian breeding section, the ARB resolved today that in the exceptional circumstances of the current outbreak of Equine Influenza, and the uncertainty about the duration of restrictions on the movement of horses in the near future, approval is given for mares to be covered from today’s date, 27 August, 2007.

This will permit mares currently domiciled on breeding farms to be covered by resident stallions from today, bringing the breeding season forward by six days. This action is being taken in the hope of ameliorating to some extent an anticipated congestion of mares’ coverings when the current restrictions on the movement of horses are eventually lifted.

The outcome of this decision is that 2008 foals who are the result of a covering between 27 August 2007 and 31 August 2007 will be recognised as the same age as those whose dams were covered from 1 September 2007.

The Australian Racing Board stresses that this Order is subject to all current and future Government orders and edicts restricting the movement of horses.

The Australian Racing Board will work in close co-operation with the Australian Stud Book and Thoroughbred Breeders Australia in the implementation of this change.