Further to our announcement on 17 December 2025 in which we confirmed our desire to appoint a Black Type Advisory Group (BTAG), Racing Australia is pleased to advise that its Board has unanimously approved the formation of the BTAG with the following industry representation:
- Barry Bowditch
- Sebastian Hutch
- Antony Thompson
- Andy Makiv
- Adrian Hancock
- Jon Freyer
- Duncan Grimley
Under the BTAG Charter the members are drawn from various industry groups including Auction Houses, Studs, Breeders, Bloodstock advisers and other industry experts. Importantly, BTAG members can not have any role with Racing Australia, the State Principal Racing Authorities (PRAs) or Racing Clubs.
While the purpose of BTAG is to provide valuable independent feedback to the Racing Australia Board on matters related to the overall program of Listed and Group races - it will initially perform a critical role in providing, through Racing Australia, an independent view on potential upgrades, downgrades and additions of races on the Black Type List to both the relevant PRAs and the Asian Pattern Committee.
The Chairman of Racing Australia, Mr Rob Rorrison, said “We are delighted to have this highly credentialed group agree to provide their expertise at this critical time. Their independent view will undoubtedly be of great value to both the PRAs and the Asian Pattern Committee as they consider the composition of the Australian Black Type List.”
RAcing Australia Release
