Critics of Australia’s decision to adopt the Asian Racing Federation Ground Rules for quality control of black type racing have received a quick response from Alan Brown.

Brown represents Australia as Chairman of the Australian Pattern Committee and he issued the following press release;

1. Nearly all of Australia’s Group races measure up to the new international benchmarks set by the ARF’s Ground Rules.

2. An extensive analysis carried out by Greg Carpenter, Australia’s most senior handicapper, and the Australian Pattern Committee (AusPC) confirm that there will be little negative impact on Australia’s Pattern Races either immediately, or over time.

3. Under the new ARF Ground Rules, Group 1 Races only have to reach a rating which is 51b within its parameter once in any of their previous 3 running’s to avoid a warning letter or once in the previous 4years to avoid relegation. That means for example, in open class Group 1 races, they need to reach a rating of 110.

4. Until now, Australia has adopted 110 rating for open class Group 1 Races. The new parameter is 115. However, until now, we have operated on 110 with no tolerance. In Europe and elsewhere, they operate on 115, with a 51b tolerance.

5. With Group 2 and Group 3 races, they are only in danger of relegation if the Annual Race Rating remains more 31b below its parameter for each of the previous 3 seasons . Even then, changes can be made to its conditions giving a further 1 year, a total of 4 years before relegation.

6. Australia’s own ratings have been traditionally very conservative. This is evident from the acceptance at international level of more robust ratings in recent years which have seen many of our ratings of our increased significantly.

7. The International racing community want common Ground Rules for assessment of Pattern Races to apply across all regions. We have fought very hard for years to have our Pattern Races accepted at international level. If Australia opted out as Rob suggests, we would be removed from Part 1 of the Blue Book and our Pattern Races would then be regarded as “domestic” only, and of no value to anyone outside of Australia.

8. There is nothing to prevent Administrators from continuing to support staying races with programming and increased prizemoney. If that attracts better class horses over time, ratings will improve or be maintained.

9. Our ratings are first determined by the ANZ Classification Committee (ANZCC) of which Greg Carpenter is Chairman. He also represents Australia on the WRSC which is the final arbiter of international ratings.

10. The ARB have full confidence that Greg’s knowledge, experience and reputation will ensure Australia’s interests will be well catered for when our races are assessed at both the ANZCC and WRSC.

11. In adopting the ARF Ground Rules, Australia advised the APC that it reserved the right to withdraw from the ARF Ground Rules if after 4 years, the ARB was unhappy with the Ground Rules.