Racing Australia lock in Black Type Advisory Group
Racing Australia has confirmed the formation of a new Black Type Advisory Group (BTAG), with the organisation’s board unanimously approving the independent body to provide guidance on the country’s black type race structure.
The group will comprise Barry Bowditch, Sebastian Hutch, Antony Thompson, Andy Makiv, Adrian Hancock, Jon Freyer and Duncan Grimley, with members drawn from across key sectors of the thoroughbred industry including auction houses, stud farms, breeders and bloodstock advisers.
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Racing Australia Chairman Rob Roorrison said the appointments to BTAG were welcome and highly-respected participants in the industry.
“We are delighted to have this highly credentialed group agree to provide their expertise at this critical time,” he said.
“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.”
Under the BTAG charter, members must remain independent of Racing Australia, state Principal Racing Authorities and racing clubs, ensuring the panel can provide impartial feedback on the Listed and Group race program.
Racing Australia said the advisory group will initially focus on reviewing potential upgrades, downgrades and additions to races listed on the national Black Type List. Its recommendations will be provided through Racing Australia to relevant state racing authorities and the Asian Pattern Committee.
The move forms part of broader efforts to strengthen oversight of Australia’s prestigious black type racing program, which features over 600 races each, dotted over the course of the year.
Australian racing has 66 Group 1 events scheduled for 2026, with Victoria holding the most black type events, including the world-famous Melbourne Cup.
