Thoroughbred Breeders Australia has acknowledged Racing Australia’s decision to introduce a time-limited, one-off pathway for eligible horses affected by Late Foal Ownership Declaration embargoes.
Under the process announced today, owners of eligible horses born in the 2025 season or earlier must lodge any outstanding Foal Ownership Declaration by 5.30pm AEST on Friday 9 October 2026, and any required Late FOD Appeal by 5.30pm AEST on Friday 13 November 2026.
If an appeal is denied, the owner will then have 30 days to elect to pay a $2,500 fee to have the embargo lifted.
TBA Chief Executive Officer Andrew Hore-Lacy said the new pathway was an important step in resolving existing Late FOD cases.
“The immediate priority is making sure every affected breeder and owner understands the process and acts within the deadlines.”
“This gives affected horses a pathway back to racing, but there is still important work to do on how the rules operate in practice.”
Racing Australia has stated there are currently 102 outstanding Late Foal Ownership Declarations, including declarations relating to horses born in earlier seasons.
Hore-Lacy said TBA remained concerned about breeders and owners who may not yet realise they have missed a declaration deadline.
“The people who know they have a Late FOD now have a pathway. Our concern is the people who still do not know they have a problem.”
TBA will continue working with Racing Australia on the longer-term operation of the Late FOD Appeal Guidelines
“We also want to keep working with Racing Australia to ensure that the way these rules are applied encourage compliance while still reflecting the everyday realities of our industry."
TBA is urging all breeders and managing owners to check their records immediately, including for the current foal crop, and ensure all Foal Ownership Declarations are lodged within the required timeframe.
TBA Release
