Australian Court Upholds Ban on AI for Thoroughbred Horses

Though many equine breed registries allow the registration of foals produced by artificial insemination, Thoroughbred horses must be produced by live cover in order to be accepted for registration.

In the most recent challenge to this rule, former racing official Bruce McHugh filed suit against the Australian Racing Board, the Australian Stud Book, Thoroughbred Breeders Australia, the Victoria Racing Club, and the Australian Turf Club on the premise that the ban on artificial insemination could be seen as anti-competitive and a restraint of trade.

The ban was upheld by the Australian legal system, both in the initial challenge and on appeal, keeping the Australian industry in line with Thoroughbred breeding guidelines in all other countries. One expressed opinion indicated that McHugh was free to begin his own registry consisting of horses produced by artificial insemination, embryo transfer, or any other means. This could be a step toward reducing stallion fees and transportation costs for mare owners.