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Racing Australia is pleased to announce that the Australian Pattern has been reviewed to form the new ‘Australian Black Type Guidelines’.

The introduction of the Australian Black Type Guidelines represents an important step by Racing Australia and the state and territory-based Principal Racing Authorities (PRAs) in the restoration of an active, contemporary and fit for purpose framework to appropriately recognise and monitor premier races within Australia.

The adoption of the new Australian Black Type Guidelines follows lengthy engagement between all PRAs and unanimous approval by the Racing Australia Board. The guidelines form the foundation to assess and protect the consistent quality of national black type races both now and in the future.

Endorsed by all PRAs, the Australian Black Type Guidelines are built on largely objective criteria for assessing the status of a race.

This seeks to provide a modern approach that will cater to Australia’s unique racing environment, whilst also recognising Australia’s federated model for the regulation and administration of racing, and any potential implications from an Australian competition law perspective.

All PRAs operate within a national market and compete to secure the best racing product possible. Racing Australia has considered the competition issues to ensure the Black Type Guidelines overcome concerns regarding anti-competitive elements that were identified in the prior Pattern guidelines.

In terms of the process, individual horse ratings are assessed on an ongoing basis by the Australian Classifications Committee (ACC). These horse ratings form the basis of the race rating.

If a race achieves and sustains the appropriate race rating over time to be classed as a Group or Listed race, then it is recognised as such. The ACC comprises representation from every PRA, usually the chief handicapper. The Committee meets fortnightly to review and resolve horse ratings.

A review of all black type races continues to be undertaken by the PRAs based on the race ratings as agreed by the ACC. Following the review by the PRAs, submissions for upgrades, warning notices and downgrades based on the Black Type Guidelines agreed criteria will be made to Racing Australia who will action the request after confirming the ratings information.

The review process will consider the potential upgrading of existing black type races, the creation of new black type races, and the downgrading of black type races subject to a notifications process, all in accordance with the new Australian Black Type Guidelines.

The process as set out is underway for the prior racing seasons. The Black Type Guidelines will be reviewed after consideration of and input from racing industry participants.