Document 6457239

Australian Pattern Committee
PROCEDURE MANUAL
Australian Pattern Committee ................................................................................................
................................
..............................................1
1
Background ................................................................
................................................................................................
......................................2
1.1
Australia bound by Asian Pattern Committee Ground Rules
Rules................................
......................................................2
1.2
History ................................................................
................................................................................................
......................................2
1.3
Blue Book................................
................................................................................................................................
..................................2
2
Australian Pattern Committee – Background................................................................
Background
.....................................................3
3
Asian Pattern Committee - Background ................................................................
............................................................4
4
Asian Pattern Committee - Ground Rules................................................................
Rules
..........................................................5
5
Australian Working Guidelines & Criteria ................................................................
........................................................8
5.1
Assessment of races................................
................................................................................................
..................................................8
5.2
Changes to Conditions of Black Type Races ................................................................
...............................................8
5.3
Changes able to be effected without AusPC
A
Approval (non force-majeure)...............................
...............................9
5.4
Changes able to bee effected without AusPC
A
Approval (Force Majeure) .....................................9
................................
5.5
Restricted Listed Status ................................................................................................
................................
...........................................10
5.6
Race Ratings................................
............................................................................................................................
............................10
5.7
Use of Ratings ................................................................................................
................................
.........................................................11
5.8
The Australian Pattern ................................................................................................
................................
............................................11
5.9
Upgrade of races ................................................................................................
................................
.....................................................11
5.10
Caution and Downgrade List ................................................................................................
...................................11
5.11
Registered Race Names................................
................................................................................................
...........................................12
5.12
Schedule of Rotational
tional Races ................................................................................................
..................................12
5.13
Code of conduct ................................................................................................
................................
......................................................13
1 Background
This document sets out the ground rules, working guidelines and criteria for determining the listing of Australia’s
Pattern (Group & Listed) races.
1.1
Australia bound by Asian Pattern Committee Ground Rules
Australia is a member of the Asian Pattern Committee and also a signatory to the Asian Pattern Committee
Ground Rules. So as to achieve greater integrity of international black type, Australia has agreed to be bound by
the Ground Rules of the Asian Pattern Committee.
Therefore, the Asian Pattern Committee Ground Rules are the primary rules in determination of Pattern races. To
supplement the Asian Pattern Committee Ground Rules, Australia has also set out Working Guidelines &Criteria
that take into account local matters in addition to the Asian Ground Rules (much in the same way as the Local
Rules of Racing supplement the Australian Rules of Racing). If the Asian and Australian Ground Rules are
inconsistent with each other, the Asian Ground Rules take precedence. In this Manual, the Asian Ground Rules
are highlighted like this.
1.2
History
Key dates are set out below:





1.3
1971 - Group designations (G1, G2, G3) were inaugurated for races conducted in England, France,
Germany and Italy
1973 – The United States and Canada commenced Group designation of races
1979 – Australia established the first list of Black Type races conducted in each State
1981 - The International Cataloguing Standards Committee (ICSC) was formed in conjunction with the
Society of International Thoroughbred Auctioneers (SITA) and has worked to achieve uniformity of
cataloguing standards throughout the world in a time of increasing internationalisation of racing,
breeding and marketing
2011 – So as to increase uniformity and improve the integrity and rigour of the Australian Pattern
processes, Australia agrees to be bound by the Ground Rules of the Asian Pattern Committee
Key international bodies & processes
In a time of increasing internationalisation of racing, breeding and marketing, the role of the International
Cataloguing Standards Committee (ICSC) is to achieve uniformity of cataloguing standards throughout the world.
The following is relevant:



1.4
In 2007, ICSC transferred the responsibilities of making recommendations for the Group status of races to
the International Grading and Race Planning Advisory Committee (IRPAC).
IRPAC is a committee of the International Federation of Horse Racing Authorities.
In association with the International Federation of Horse Racing Authorities, the Society of International
Thoroughbred Auctioneers (SITA) has approved the standards established by IRPAC and ratifies the IRPAC
recommendations.
Blue Book
The ICSC publishes the International Cataloguing Standards “Blue Book”, which is the bible of international black
type. The ICSC - through The Jockey Club Information Systems (New York) - produces the Blue Book which divides
the racing countries into three parts and one part for steeplechase/jump races. The ICSC sought to achieve
uniformity by making the International Cataloguing Standards “Blue Book” the single most authoritative
publication dealing with “black type” throughout the thoroughbred world.
2
Australia is one of fifteen countries that have its Group & Listed races listed in Part 1 of the Blue Book. Australia is
the world’s second largest racing country and has the second highest number of Black Type races. Part 1
countries are:
Argentina
Australia
Brazil
Canada
Chile
France
Germany
Great Britain
Ireland
Italy
Japan
New Zealand
Peru
South Africa
United Arab Emirates
United States of America
2 Australian Pattern Committee – Background
Objectives
The AusPC was established by the Australian Racing Board with the following objectives
 categorise Australia's highest quality races
 make recommendations to the ARB as to which Australian races are worthy of "Black Type" status
 assist the provision of a co-ordinated programme of quality races in each age, sex and distance category
within each state
Importance
Pattern races are of great importance to race clubs, breeders and owners. The Listings of Group and Listed races
are approved and published by the ARB. These listings are then accepted by the International Cataloguing
Standards Committee for publication in 'The Blue Book', thereby achieving international recognition for
Australia's best races.
Strategy
Over time, the Australian Pattern Committee has made the strategic decision to bind itself to the Asian Pattern
Ground Rules. The Asian Ground Rules adhere to European Pattern standards. Australia’s breeding industry
relies heavily on international breeders having faith in the Australian Pattern. The strategy is for Australia to
create a rigorous Pattern whose integrity is beyond question. This is the reason for the Australian Pattern
Committee’s growing adherence to international ground rules.
Meetings
The AusPC meets twice every year to: Review the procedures, which include the criteria and working guidelines
 to consider races for possible inclusion, upgrade or downgrade
 to review the overall pattern to ensure adequate opportunities exist in each category and are maintaining
a certain level of quality
 to consider all other relevant business
The main meeting is held towards the end of the season, once the Australia and New Zealand Classifications
Committee (ANZCC)have finalised their race ratings. The mid season meeting is held in February. The AusPC
submits all recommendations for alterations to the Listings to the ARB for decision.
Nominees
The AusPC is comprised of persons nominated by various bodies as set out below. Nominees are to be confirmed
every 2 years. Each nominee has the ability to be represented by an alternative if they are unable to participate
at the meeting.The current members of the Group are (as of 1 April 2012) set out below.
Appointee
Mr Alan Brown (Chairman)
Nominated By
Australian Racing Board (non Voting)
3
Mr Jake Howard (Secretary)
Mr Greg Carpenter (Adviser)
Mr John Messara
Mr David Moodie
Mr Brent Leisemann
Mr David Hunter
Mr Craig Kutcher
Mr David Manshanden
Mr Stephen Ferguson
Mr Colin Tuck
Mr Trevor Lobb
Vacant
Mr Vin Cox
Australian Racing Board (non Voting)
ANZCC Chairman (non Voting)
Racing NSW
Racing Victoria
Racing Queensland Ltd
Racing and Wagering Western Australia
Thoroughbred Racing SA
Tas Racing
Major Race Clubs
Major Race Clubs
Thoroughbred Breeders Australia
Thoroughbred Breeders Australia
Selling Agents Representative
3 Asian Pattern Committee - Background1
Aims
The Asian Pattern Committee (the Committee) aims to assist in the coordination of programming high quality
races within ARF member countries. The Committee ensures quality control measures are in place for its Group
races, both domestic and international, within the Asian Pattern. The Committee further ensures that wherever
fair and reasonable circumstances permit, there are more Group 3 races than Group 2 races, and more Group 2
races than Group 1 races, and the total number of Group 3 races exceeds the total combined number of Group 2
and Group 1 races.
Member countries
The Asian Pattern Committee comprises seven Asian Racing Federation (ARF) member countries:







Australia
Hong Kong
Japan
New Zealand
Singapore
South Africa
United Arab Emirates
Each have Group 1 races in Part I of the International Cataloguing Standards and International Statistics Book
(“the blue book”), maintained by the International Grading and Race Planning Advisory Committee (IRPAC). Any
other ARF country which stages a race which has been granted internationalGroup status is regarded as an
associate member and may, by consent of the Chairman, be represented at any official Asian Pattern Committee
(AusPC) meeting, generally conducted up to twice per year, but may not vote. The Secretariat will be provided by
The Hong Kong Jockey Club.
World Rankings Supervisory Committee (WRSC)
The Committee will have access to the annual World Thoroughbred Rankings produced by the World Rankings
Supervisory Committee (WRSC) of the International Federation of Horse Racing Authorities (IFHA). The Committee
is responsible for nominating three members of the WRSC, including one of the co-chairmen. Currently, the three
ARF appointed members of the WRSC are Greg Carpenter (Australia), Nigel Gray (Hong Kong) and
KazuhitoMatano (Japan), and Nigel Gray serves as the ARF appointed co-chairman of the WRSC.
1
Direct extract from Asian Pattern Committee Procedure Manual
4
4 Asian Pattern Committee - Ground Rules2
General Rules for International Group Races in the Asian Pattern
Every international Group race in the Asian Pattern must conform to the following rules:
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
It must have no indigenous conditions.
It must have a permanent element within the registered name.
It must justify its grouping by the quality of its runners, assessed primarily by its Pattern Race Rating.
A Pattern Race Rating is the average of the Annual Race Ratings achieved by a race over a three year
period. However, when considering for introduction into the Pattern a race which has been run only
twice, the Committee will allow the Pattern Race Rating to be calculated from the average of the
Annual Race Ratings from two years. The Annual Race Rating is the average of the official ratings, as
agreed by the WRSC, of the first four placed horses in any given year. In addition, the actual weight
allowance received by any fillies and mares placed in the first four in open competition will be added
to their official ratings for the sole purpose of calculating Annual Race Ratings. If a race is abandoned
during any three year period, the Pattern Race Rating will be calculated using the average of the three
most recent Annual Race Ratings available.
The Pattern Race Ratings below are the standard which a race should achieve to justify Pattern status:
Group 1
Group 2
Group 3
Listed
115
110
105
1003
For certain races, however, other parameters will apply as follows:
Races open to 3-y-os and/or above, restricted to female horses
Group 1
110
Group 2
105
Group 3
100
Listed
954
2-y-o races (other than fillies’ events)
Group 1
110
Group 2
105
Group 3
100
Listed
955
2-y-o fillies’ races
Group 1
Group 2
Group 3
Listed
105
100
95
906
Definition of Changes to the Asian Pattern
2
“Asian Pattern Committee Ground Rules” are a direct extract from the Asian Pattern Committee
Procedure Manual, and as a signatory, they bind the Australian Pattern Committee.
3
Listed ratings are governed by the country concerned i.e. Australia
4
Listed ratings are governed by the country concerned i.e. Australia
5
Listed ratings are governed by the country concerned i.e. Australia
6
Listed ratings are governed by the country concerned i.e. Australia
5
For the purposes of the Ground Rules, changes are defined as:
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
Any change to the Group of a Pattern race.
Any change to the distance (defined as a change of 100 metres or more for races below 1600 metres,
and of 200 metres or more for races of 1600 metres or above), age or sex restriction, weight format,
date, venue or surface of a Pattern race.
Any change to the permanent element in the name of a Pattern race.
The introduction of a new Pattern race.
The deletion of an existing Pattern race.
Rules Governing Asian Pattern Race Changes
i.
Decisions relating to Group 1 races (including the upgrading of races to Group 1) and to races run in
countries which are not members of the Committee will be taken by the Committee. Other than in
exceptional circumstances, decisions relating to all other Pattern and Listed races will be determined
by the Racing Authority of the relevant member country, which will then notify the Committee at the
Annual Meeting.
It is recommended that each member country should keep a record of “Registered” names of Group
races which, when possible, should be included in official race records, programme books and
calendars.
ii.
Upgrading of Existing Pattern Races and the Creation of New Pattern Races
The following rules shall apply to the upgrading of Pattern races by Group and admission of new races
to the Pattern, and shall be waived only in exceptional circumstances and, in the case of decisions
made by the Committee, with unanimous agreement.
In the case of a decision requiring approval from a majority of the Committee, the country submitting
the proposal shall not have a vote. In the event of a tie, the proposal shall be rejected.
a. To qualify for upgrading or admission to the Pattern, a race must have been run with similar race
conditions, comparable prize money and on a similar date for at least the last two years. (Note: a
change in venue and/or surface is acceptable.)
b. A race shall be eligible for promotion if the race under consideration achieves both a Pattern Race
Rating and an Annual Race Rating for the last year equal to or above the applicable parameter.
c. The upgrading of a race to Group 1 must be approved by a majority of two or more of the
Committee.
d. A race satisfying the requirements for admission to the Pattern must be introduced as a Group 3
race other than in exceptional circumstances. If it is proposed that a race be introduced as a
Group 2 or Group 1 race, approval must be sought from the Committee.
e. Applications for new races to be admitted into the Pattern from associate members, or from any
other country wishing to become an associate member, will be considered on their individual
merits and must be approved by a majority of the Committee.
iii.
Downgrading or Deleting of Pattern Races
The following rules shall apply to the downgrading/deletion of Group races, with the understanding
that they will not be applied to Group 1 races until the Rules have been in effect in the jurisdiction
concerned for three seasons, and they will not be applied to Group 2 and Group 3 races until the Rules
have been in effect in the jurisdiction concerned for two seasons.
a. For Group 1 races
6



If the Annual Race Rating is more than 5lb below its parameter for each of the previous three
years : warning letter to be issued by the relevant Racing Authority, with a copy sent to the
Chairman of AusPC.
If the Annual Race Rating is more than 5lb below its parameter for each of the previous four
years, the Committee will consider the merits of the race, and vote on whether the race will be
permitted to retain its Grade, or whether it will be downgraded.
The downgrading of a race from Group 1 must be approved by a majority of two or more of
the Committee.
b. Group 2 and 3 races (automatic downgrade)

If the Annual Race Rating is more than 3lb below its parameter for each of the previous two
years : warning letter to be issued by the relevant Racing Authority.

If the Annual Race Rating is more than 3lb below its parameter for each of the previous three
years : automatic downgrade unless a material change in conditions (i.e. distance, age, sex
restriction, weight format or date) is proposed in which case it may be given one final year in
which it must achieve the required Annual Race Rating or it will be automatically downgraded
by the relevant Racing Authority.
c. The Committee must be informed at the Annual Meeting of any voluntary downgrading or
deletion of a Pattern race by the country concerned.
iv.
In assessing upgrades, admissions, downgrades or deletions of races to or from the Pattern, the
following factors may also be taken into account:
a. The ratings of the four highest rated horses to start in any race as well as the first four to finish.
b. The number of horses to start in any race which had won a Group 1 race in the preceding 18
months.
c. The effect on the shape of the Pattern in the country concerned and/or the effect on the shape of
the entire Asian Racing Federation Pattern.
v.
The following rule shall apply to any other amendments defined as changes to Group 1 races:

Any change to the distance, surface, age or sex restriction, weight format, date or venue of a
Group 1 race must be approved by a majority of the Committee.
Listed Races and Domestic Group Races
The Committee will be informed at the Annual Meeting of the total number of Listed and Domestic Group races in
each country.
Weight-for-Age and Sex Allowances
The Committee aims to achieve greater standardization of the weight-for-age and sex allowances in all countries.
Notification and Implementation of changes
i.
ii.
iii.
All Pattern race proposals planned for instigation in the following season should be notified to the
Secretariat by the relevant date of the two designated deadlines to be determined by the
Committee,for immediate circulation to all members of the Committee.
When the timing of a change is critical, application for approval outside scheduled meetings of the
Committee may be made by circular resolution.
Until agreement has been reached by the Committee, there must be no official statement to the
media of any proposed changes to Group 1 races.
7
5 Australian Working Guidelines & Criteria
The Australian Working Guidelines &Criteria are supplementary to the Asian Pattern Committee Ground Rules.
The Australian Pattern Committee (AusPC) utilise the following Working Guidelines & Criteria in assessing races
for "Black Type" status. It is advised that these Working Guidelines& Criteria are used as a guide only and are
flexible in their application.
5.1
Assessment of races
1. A race can only be upgraded to Group 1 status if it carries Weight For Age or Set Weights conditions.
2. The AusPC endeavours to establish and maintain a "pyramid" approach in order to ensure integrity of the
pattern with regard to the allocation of Australian "Black Type" races, i.e. Group 1 - 12%, Group 2 - 15%,
Group 3 - 19%, and Listed - 54%.
3. The AusPC applies the following criteria when assessing the standard of a particular race:
i. The quality of the field is to be assessed by the race rating which is achieved by the average peak
season rating of the first four horses in the race.
ii. Weight conditions, preference to standard weight-for-age followed by set weights; set weights &
penalties; quality handicap; or handicap);
iii. Conditions, eg. sex, age; distance etc
iv. The individual number of Black Type performances prior or subsequent to the race;
v. Minimum prizemoney levels for Group & Listed races:
Group 1:
$350,000

Group 2:
$175,000

Group 3:
$115,000

Listed (Group 4):
$80,000
vi. Whether the race enhances the overall pattern
4. The AusPC recognises that there is some difficulty in certain States for horses to accumulate Black Type
performances in certain distance and age categories, and this is taken into consideration when assessing
races.
5. Decisions made at AusPC meetings as a result of a vote are based on a simple and clear majority. If all 11
voting members are present a vote of at least 6 to 5 is required. If only 10 members are present a vote of at
least 6 to 4 is required for a motion to be carried. When voting, a member’s first responsibility is to the
Pattern and not to their employer or to the party that appointed them to the AusPC. Only the numbers of
votes ‘for’ and ‘against’ are to be recorded and not the way in which individual members voted.
5.2
Changes to Conditions of Black Type Races
Any change to the condition of a Black Type race must be presented to the AusPC for consideration. A change of
condition to a Group or Listed race without prior approval being granted by the AusPC may see the removal of its
Black Type status.Changes of conditions to be considered by the Committee include:






Distance
Age/Sex conditions
Weight conditions
Venue
Date
Prizemoney
As the AusPC only meets twice yearly, at the discretion of the Chairman, an application to change the conditions
of a Black Type race may be considered via flying minute or teleconference, should a formal meeting not enable
the consideration of this issue within a reasonable timeframe. Each Principal Racing Authority is encouraged to
ensure all requests of a major nature are considered at a formal meeting of the AusPC.
8
A template has been developed which is to be submitted by the relevant Principal Racing Authority for every race
requiring changes in conditions. All applications for amendments to conditions must be submitted on the
standard application form and once submitted the following process will be undertaken:



5.3
An application is submitted to the Secretary by the PRA.
The AusPC is to consider the application and makes a decision.
If no unanimous agreement from the AusPC, then the matter is referred to the ARB for decision.
Changes able to be effected without AusPC Approval (non force-majeure)


Any changes permitted under this guideline must be advised to the AusPC.
Any PRA seeking approval for changes must provide written confirmation from any State impacted by this
request, within the AusPC application.
Any change effected under this guideline must be invoked for a minimum of three (3) years.

Change
Category
Date
Distance
Prizemoney Additional
Prizemoney Reduction
Age/Sex
Conditions
Handicap
Conditions
Venue
5.4
Group 1
Requires AusPC
Approval
Requires AusPC
Approval
Group 2
Group 3
Listed
Up to 8 Days
Up to 15 Days
Up to 29 Days
Up to 100 metres
Up to 100 metres
Up to 200 metres
No Restriction
As long as
meets minimum
benchmark
Requires AusPC
Approval
No Restriction
As long as meets
minimum
benchmark
Requires AusPC
Approval
Handicap to Set
Weight - OK
Set Weight to
Handicap - AusPC
Approval
No Restriction
As long as meets
minimum
benchmark
Requires AusPC
Approval
Handicap to Set
Weight - OK
Set Weight to
Handicap - AusPC
Approval
No Restriction
No Restriction
No Restriction
Requires AusPC
Approval
Requires AusPC
Approval
As long as meets
minimum benchmark
Requires AusPC
Approval
Permanent changes
can be implemented
No Restriction
Changes able to be effected without AusPC Approval (Force Majeure)
For races postponed for reasons of Force Majeure within four weeks of advertised date, the following applies
(provided any changes effected under the Force Majeure conditions will revert back for the following running)
Change
Category
Date
Distance
Prizemoney Additional
Prizemoney Reduction
Age/Sex
Conditions
Group 1
Up to 8 Days
Up to 100
metres
Group 2
Up to 15 Days
Group 3
Up to 15 Days
Listed
Up to 29 Days
Up to 100 metres
Up to 100 metres
Up to 200 metres
No Restriction
No Restriction
No Restriction
Not permitted
Not permitted
Not permitted
No Restriction
As long as meets
minimum benchmark
Not permitted
Not permitted
Not permitted
Not permitted
9
Handicap
Conditions
Venue
5.5
Not permitted
As approved by
relevant PRA
Not permitted
As approved by
relevant PRA
Not permitted
As approved by
relevant PRA
Changes are permitted
to provide optimum
programming
As approved by
relevant PRA
Restricted Listed Status
In February 2007, the ARB officially endorsed the AusPC as the appropriate agency for determining the use of
Restricted Listed (RL) categorisation, which is to be strictly limited in its usage.Restricted Listed races are races
restricted solely to horses sold through a specific sale or bred in a particular area, with these restrictive conditions
not providing open entry into these events.
5.6
Race Ratings
Australia & New Zealand Classifications Committee (ANZCC)
The ANZCC is a technical committee under the auspice of the ARB made up by the Head of Handicapping in each
Australian State and the Senior Handicapper of New Zealand. This committee is responsible for evaluating the
individual performances of runners in allAustralasian Black Type events and providing representation on the
World Thoroughbred Rankings Committee (WTRC).
It is important to note that the race ratings produced by the ANZCC area by product of their core function and are
provided to the AusPC to assist in evaluatingthe quality of each Australian Black Type event. When reviewing a
race for possible downgrade, the ratings of the four highest rated horses in any race as well as the first four to
finish may be considered.
Annual Race Rating
The Annual Race Rating is the average of the official ratings, as agreed by the ANZCC of the first four placed
horses. The official rating is the peak performance of each horse in the racing season in which the race was
run.The rating is a numeric value given to a specific individual performance and is not necessarily a reflection of
that horse’s current handicap level, which would take into account any subsequent improvement or deterioration
in form.The rating is determined by a combination of weight carried and margins from the horse deemed to run
at the median, or general level of consistency, in that particular event.
Such characteristics are then related to specific race distances. For a sprint race (1300m and less) a ratio of 1.5kg
per length would apply whilst for a middle distance event (up to 2200 metres) a ratio of 1.0kg per length. For a
distance event (any race in excess of 2200 metres) a ratio of 0.5kg per length would apply. The ANZCC may also
build in a small adjustment for what they consider is a dominant performance.
The authority or value of the winner and placegetters is individually and collectively evaluated. Whether the
winner, placings or others were holding their ground or fading, or subjected to any particular “in race”
circumstance, is thoroughly analysed prior to any rating being issued. In most situations even though there is no
value for the narrowest of margins a one pound or half kilogram will be granted to the winner over a runner-up.
The pace within a race is an indication of the reliability of the performance. Inadequate pace frequently proves a
result to be unreliable as a guide to a horse’s true merit. If races are slowly run, the opportunity arises for
moderate horses to finish closer than their overall performance might indicate is likely. In contests where a
doubtful tempo contributes to the closeness of the finish or to a horse returning what is generally regarded as a
‘one-off’ performance the differentials may be extended.
In races run on slow or heavy ground margins can be exaggerated and in these instances the rating differentials
will be brought closer together than they would if the same result had been produced on quick or fast ground.
10
Individual performances which generate a rating of 115 or higher are then submitted to the World Thoroughbred
Rankings Committee (WTRC) for confirmation. The WTRC is a technical committee under the auspice of the IFHA.
A rating of 115 is generally viewed as the minimum benchmark for a genuine Group 1 performance at
international level.
5.7
Use of Ratings
For a race to be added to the List of Black Type races:


5.8
The Australian Pattern


5.9
it should match or exceed the benchmark at its last 2 runnings, and
there must be an available position in the relevant age/sex/distance category
The benchmarks will be increased progressively at the same percentage as the race ratings increase until
they reach a level that is broadly in line with the international benchmarks
The pattern of metropolitan racing and the target numbers in each of the age/sex categories will be
reviewed every 5 years commencing 2010 and any necessary adjustments will be made by granting clubs
2 years warning
Upgrade of races
Applications for Listed Status
Individual States are to identify and develop races for potential Listed status and then the Principal Racing
Authority will seek a race rating from the ANZCC and assess the merit of the application before deciding to
forward it to AusPC Working Party for consideration.
Upgrade in the Listings
Once a race is included within the Listings all subsequent progressions through the Listings should be prompted
and confirmed by the Pattern Committee. This does not diminish the incentive for States to develop races but
delivers a more structured and disciplined approach to identifying and assessing races for possible upgrade.
Working Party assesses top races
Once the ANZCC have produced the end of season race ratings, an AusPC working party, consisting of a member
from each PRA,meet to assess the top performing races in each category and any races identified for possible
upgrade by the Pattern Committee. The working party may utilise but are not bound by ratings and can consider
the overall pattern of races and gaps with the pattern.
Working Party List
After assessing the top performing races in each category, based on rating, field quality, programming and
vacancies within the pattern, the working party put forward a list of the top performing races that may be
considered by the AusPC for upgrade. For a race to be eligible for upgrade, the race should have exceeded the
relevant benchmark at the three most recent runnings.The list of races isput forward at the end of season AusPC
meeting for consideration, accompanied with the black type performance report from the last 3 runnings, along
with the entire race ratings file.
5.10 Caution and Downgrade List
The caution and downgrade list is produced at the end of each season, once the ANZCC ratings with races failing
to reach the benchmark broken down into the following levels.
11
Caution List – Level 1
 Races that fail to reach the benchmark at their latest running are added to level one of the Caution List.
Caution List – Level 2
 Races that have failed to reach the benchmark at the last two runnings are added to level two of the
caution list.
Exclusion List
 Races that fail to reach the benchmark in three consecutive runnings will be automatically downgraded.
 Races are removed from the caution and downgrade lists if they meet the benchmark at their latest
running.
 Races may also be removed from the caution and downgrade lists, if the AusPC deem that there are
extenuating circumstances surrounding the performance of the races latest running that resulted in the
race failing to reach the benchmark.
 The AusPC working party are to provide an overview of any races that fall into the above category for
consideration at the end of the season AusPC meeting.
 The AusPC is to consider races included in level 1 & 2 of the Caution list at the end of the season meeting
and make recommendations where necessary in relation to any potential improvements to the conditions
or placement of these races.
 This information is to be provided to the relevant PRC for consideration and distribution to the relevant
race club.
 It is the responsibility of the relevant PRA to inform individual race clubs if any of their races appear on
the caution and downgrade lists.
5.11 Registered Race Names
It was agreed that for historic and continuity purposes that:



any proposed name must appear within the advertised race name
is subject to approval by the body listed below
the existing name be acknowledged in race books and calendars for the periods outlined below
Category
Group One
Group Two
Group Three
Listed
Subject to approval by:
Australian Pattern Committee &
Asian Pattern Committee
Australian Pattern Committee only
Australian Pattern Committee only
Australian Pattern Committee only
Acknowledgement period
5 years
3 years
3 years
1 year
5.12 Schedule of Rotational Races
Year
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
JRA Trophy
SA
WA
TAS
VIC
NSW
QLD
SA
WA
TAS
Queens Cup
VIC
NSW
QLD
SA
WA
TAS
VIC
NSW
QLD
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5.13 Code of conduct
Purpose of this Code
The Code of Conduct (the Code) aims to assist the Chairman and members (the Members) of the Australian
Pattern Committee, voting and non-voting, in carrying out their duties and responsibilities.
Role and Duties of Members
The Australian Pattern Committee makes recommendations to the Australian Racing Board regarding Australian
races worthy of ‘Black Type’ Status, by listing those races into four (4) grades. The role of Members is to carry out
the responsibilities established in the Procedure Manual, including the duty to provide the ARB with quality
recommendations based on objective and consistent criteria.
Members have the role of assisting and supporting race clubs to strive for and maintain Black Type listings, and
the ARB in undertaking its responsibilities and obligations to meet the specifications of the International
Cataloguing Standards Committee.The dutieswhich are fundamental by virtue of the Member’s representation on
the Committee are:




To act at all times in accordance with honesty and integrity, so as to maintain and enhance public confidence
in the Committee and the thoroughbred racing industry as a whole.
To act in good faith and in the best interests of the Australian racing industry and deal with all matters in
accordance with the approved policies and procedures of the committee, as amended from time to time.
To act independently from any external sources in performance of duties and in making decisions, and treat
each particular case objectively on its merits.
To maintain adequate documentation to support decisions made in the course of fulfilling duties and
functions.
Contact with Media
Members must maintain and enhance the reputation of the Committee and refrain from making any public
comment, without the delegated authority of the Chairman, relative to:
(1) Decisions of the committee
(2) Likely recommendations of the Committee to the ARB
(3) Decisions of the ARB subsequent to recommendations of the Committee
The Committee seeks to maintain a good relationship with the media and comment is generally to be restricted to
the Chairman, or any person delegated by the Chairman, representing the respective Principal Racing Authorities
or other representative bodies. Following an AusPC meeting, the Chairman will release a media statement, in
conjunction with the ARB, relative to the business of the meeting.PRAs may subsequently, make a media release
or statement relative to the recommendations or decisions that are relevant to their State.
Conflicts of Interest
A conflict of interest is a real or perceived conflict between an official duty and a private interest. A real conflict of
interest exists when a reasonable person, in possession of the relevant facts, would conclude that an official’s
private interests interfere, or are likely to interfere, with the proper performance of the official’s duties. A
perceived conflict of interest exists when the impression is reasonably created that a private interest may
interfere with an official function although in reality that may not be the case.
Members must abstain from adjudicating on any matter whereby a possible real or perceived conflict of interest
exists. Members, both voting and non-voting, must disclose any interest which has the potential to impact on the
performance of their duties.
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Gifts and Hospitality
To ensure the Committee’s reputation for independence and impartiality is maintained, scrupulous adherence to
ethical standards is essential.Members must not solicit or accept gifts, rewards or benefits in connection with the
performance of their duties which might compromise or be seen to compromise their objectivity or that could
give rise to a real conflict of interest.Where, because of cultural considerations, declining a gift or hospitality may
cause offence, members should discuss the appropriate response with the Chairman.
Improper and Undue Influence
Members must take care not to use their position with the Committee to unduly influence other members of the
Committee, industry stakeholders or any other person in the performance of their duties or functions.
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