Cover image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
Now, Arion Pedigrees has confirmed that the relevant authorities, including the Society of International Thoroughbred Auctioneers (SITA) and the International Grading and Race Planning Advisory Committee (IRPAC), have formally ratified the Group 1 status for these two races, just in time for The Everest this Saturday. While this news settles the status of The Everest and The All-Star Mile, Racing Australia’s broader proposal, slated to include more than 80 other race upgrades, is still awaiting international approval.
Bill Oppenheim on the complexity of Racing Governance
To dive deeper into the complexities surrounding these race upgrades, The Thoroughbred Report spoke to Bill Oppenheim. Oppenheim, a man with a wealth of experience in race grading, was quick to point out the complications of Australia’s recent Group 1 changes, highlighting the international challenges.
“It’s all rather complicated,” he laughed, referencing the fragmented nature of global racing governance. Unlike sports such as football (FIFA) or cricket (ICC), which have clear international governing bodies, thoroughbred racing lacks a single, unified authority. Instead, the industry is overseen by various bodies such as the International Federation of Horse Racing Authorities (IFHA) and its advisory arm, IRPAC. However, both operate on largely voluntary bases, meaning that international consensus is more of a suggestion than a rule.
Bill Oppenheim | Image courtesy of Laura Green/Tattersalls
Oppenheim explained, “The IFHA is as close as it gets (to a global governing body), but it’s essentially a voluntary association.” He noted that some countries, such as Canada, have their own unique grading systems, which has led to some of their premier races failing to gain international Group 1 recognition.
This fragmentation can be problematic, particularly in Australia, where racing decisions are largely controlled by New South Wales and Victoria, who each hold 35 per cent of Racing Australia’s voting power. “Under such a system, it is easy to arrive at a deadlock,” Oppenheim said, reflecting on the contentious discussions around The Everest and The All-Star Mile in recent years. “It is a shame that you can end up with an organisation being paralysed when one member won’t play ball!”
Arion’s role in maintaining international standards
Despite the recent controversy of Group 1 status for The Everest and The All-Star Mile, Oppenheim praised Arion Pedigrees for their cautious approach. He believes that waiting for formal ratification from SITA and IRPAC was the right move, ensuring that Australia’s race upgrades align with global standards.
“Racing Australia has seen a loophole—there’s no one really in charge!” Oppenheim said, but he was clear that Arion’s decision to delay recognition was a principled one. “It’s the absolute right of companies such as Arion not to recognise upgrades to particular races until proper international approval is in place.”
“It’s the absolute right of companies such as Arion not to recognise upgrades to particular races until proper international approval is in place.” - Bill Oppenheim
While The Everest and The All-Star Mile are now settled, the larger question remains: what will happen to the more than 80 other race upgrades proposed? Oppenheim was clear that consistency is key. “I’m not against the idea of races like The Everest and The All-Star Mile being Group 1, but we need consistency.”
For Arion, this consistency is crucial. The company’s confirmation of the two races’ Group 1 status reflects its commitment to international integrity, but the pending upgrades could still inflate Australia’s black-type system and damage its credibility if not handled carefully.
Industry concerns over black-type expansion
Bloodstock agent Johnny McKeever echoed Oppenheim’s concerns, emphasising the need for international agreement when upgrading races. “You should not be able to unilaterally award your own races status without international agreement,” McKeever told TTR AusNZ. “We know that certain black-type is of less value than others; that’s ingrained in our brains.”
Johnny McKeever | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
McKeever highlighted the risk of inflating black-type races, which could ultimately devalue the system. “It’s important to upgrade races that deserve it, but you also need to demote those that aren’t up to standard, and you should never have a proliferation of black type.”
He warned that Australia risks diminishing the value of its racing program by oversaturating it with black-type events. “We will start concluding that Australian black-type is cheap, and that will affect how we buy.”
“It’s important to upgrade races that deserve it, but also to demote those that aren’t up to standard... We (internationals) will start concluding that Australian black-type is cheap, and that will affect how we buy.” - Johnny McKeever
David Redvers, another prominent agent, shared McKeever’s concerns about maintaining the prestige of Australia’s racing system. “You risk devaluing everything if you don’t maintain standards,” Redvers said. “Australia risks having people think that your racing consists of a whole lot of Mickey Mouse Group 1s, and to risk losing face for short-term gain is silly.”
David Redvers | Image courtesy of Goffs
Both agents expressed deep respect for Australian racing but warned that diluting the value of Group 1 races could harm the country’s global reputation. “A Group 1 should be a badge of honour. Don’t devalue that badge into tin metal!” Redvers added, noting that black type is the simplest way to gauge the quality of a pedigree.
“A Group 1 should be a badge of honour. Don’t devalue that badge into tin metal!” - David Redvers
What's next?
With over 80 races still awaiting ratification, the question of whether Australia’s black-type system risks becoming oversaturated is one that will need careful consideration.
Arion Pedigrees, in choosing to wait for full international approval, has reaffirmed its commitment to upholding global standards. As Oppenheim noted, “Members of the pattern committees need to show some backbone and rise up to insist that racing has a proper way of defining pattern racing.”
“Members of the pattern committees need to show some backbone and rise up to insist that racing has a proper way of defining pattern racing.” - Bill Oppenheim
The resolution of this larger debate will determine whether Australian racing can maintain its integrity on the international stage or if its system of grading will be seen as self-serving.
McKeever summarised the industry’s concerns best: “You shouldn’t do it for the sake of your industry—keeping in line with international standards keeps things tight, and that way your stock keeps the respect it deserves.”
