Changes to the Treatment of Free Returns Flagged for the Australian Trotting Stud Book
The Executive of Harness Racing Australia (HRA) today flagged a significant change to the Australian Trotting Stud Book Regulations (SBR’s) regarding Stallion Limits and the way “Free Returns” are regulated.
Currently, the SBRs state that “in a breeding season, the total number of mares bred in accordance with these Rules in any manner whatsoever including Artificial Breeding to a sire registered in Australia including free returns from a previous breeding season shall not exceed 150”.
While the number of mares bred will remain at 150, free returns will now be in addition to this number, and no longer included in this number. There will be an additional condition requiring the free return to be used on only the same Mare and only the next Season.
While the SBRs will be amended in accordance with usual governance practices and timeframes to take effect on 1 September 2024, the announcement has been fast-tracked to provide Stallion Owners and Stud Masters improved flexibility and the maximum time possible to plan ahead for the 2024/25 season.
