The Australian Full Federal Court on Thursday unanimously dismissed the appeal of Bruce McHugh
against the December 2012 decision to uphold the rules of the Australian Stud Book
and the Australian Rules of Racing prohibiting artificial insemination. Three appellant judge
unanimously rejected McHugh’s claim that the rules were a restraint of trade.
Australian Racing Board Chairman John Messara welcomed
the dismissal, saying, “A great deal of industry time and financial resources have been
spent over the past five years in defending this matter. The issue of artificial insemination
is settled once and for all. We have said from the outset that our sport was not
anti-competitive or a restraint of trade as proponents of A-I are perfectly free to establish their own
industry. Fortunately the Federal Court agreed with us.
“Racing and breeding has many challenges
now and into the future and the finality of this case will allow to concentrate fully on
what matters most to participants, punters and stakeholders,” Messara added.
Trevor Lobb, President of Thoroughbred Breeders
Australia, stated, “I just wish to thank the support of all breeders here in Australia and overseas that
understood the importance of fighting this with all our being to remain an international
recognized and accepted country in this great sport.”
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