FBAA Open Letter on the Australian Pattern System

Media Release - Wednesday December 4

The Federation of Bloodstock Agents Australia (FBAA) is writing to address a matter that impacts the foundation of our industry’s credibility and success: the stagnation of the Australian Pattern system and the concerning attempts to assign unapproved Group race status.

As an industry, we rely on the universally recognised language of the Pattern to define and communicate the value of our bloodstock. This framework has been essential in establishing trust, clarity, and respect for Australian Thoroughbreds on the global stage. Attempts to bypass proper approval channels risk undermining the credibility of our pedigrees, weakening the trust of international stakeholders, and destabilising the valuation system that supports our success.

The decision by Racing Australia to unilaterally publish unapproved Group race status disrespects the processes that breeders, agents, and vendors have upheld for decades. These processes, developed in collaboration with the Society of International Thoroughbred Auctioneers (SITA), the International Grading and Race Planning Advisory Committee (IRPAC), and the Asian Pattern Committee (APC), are the backbone of our global reputation.

The FBAA stands firmly with sales companies and Arion in refusing to recognise black type status for races that have not been approved through these established channels. We urge all members of the industry - breeders, vendors, buyers, and stakeholders - to uphold these standards by acknowledging only officially sanctioned black type designations. Racing Australia’s unilateral actions must not dictate standards that jeopardise the integrity of Australian bloodstock in the global market.

As we approach the 2025 yearling sales season, we must remain united in our commitment to maintaining the rigor, transparency, and trust that have positioned Australian Thoroughbreds among the best in the world. Upholding the official Pattern system is not merely a procedural obligation; it is an affirmation of the shared dedication that drives our industry forward.

Advertisement

Let us work together to protect the credibility of our pedigrees and the integrity of Australian bloodstock. The establishment of an independent pattern committee that conforms with international standards is a matter of urgent priority.  By standing united, we safeguard the trust that sustains our industry and ensures its continued success.

Yours faithfully,

All Accredited Members

Federation of Bloodstock Agents Australia (FBAA)

Advertisment
More Reading...
She's Unusual Keeps Good Times Rolling
Continued success with resident stallion Unusual Suspect and their racing team has kept Nigel and Adaire Auret busier than they may have envisaged, but without any complaints.
Goffs Orby Day 2 - Trio of Million Dollar Yearling Fillies
The second day of the Goffs Orby Yearling Sale took off overnight with three individual yearlings selling for a million or more with the full sister to dual Group I winning champion 2YO Colt Blackbeard selling for €1.9 million to MV Magnier.
Youngsters Impress Leading into Magic Millions Horses in Training Sale
The build up to the 2025 Magic Millions Gold Coast Horses in Training Sale has intensified with a swag of impressive breeze up performances over the past week.
Magic Trials at Caulfield Heath
Early season two-year-olds will step out this Thursday, 2 October, at the Caulfield Spring Trials presented by Magic Millions, with 800m 2YO heats following the opening trial for Group performers at 7:30am on the Caulfield Heath.
Swettenham Stud Delighted with Lofty Strike Foals
Swettenham Stud are delighted with the growing buzz of excitement surrounding the first foals for young gun sire Lofty Strike.
Godolphin’s Lonhro Filly Proficient On Debut
From the penultimate crop of Darley’s Champion Sire Lonhro, the Ben, Will and JD Hayes trained 3yo filly Proficient started the race favourite, winning the Sportsbet Race Previews Plate (1000m) at Sandown Hillside in a fighting finish. 
Kiwi Raider Pier Upbeat Ahead of Epsom
Co-trainer and part-owner Darryn Weatherley is taking a glass half full approach ahead of Saturday’s Gr.1 Epsom Handicap (1600m) after he came up with an awkward wide gate for Pier.
Autumn Glow Epsom Challenge - Just How Big Is This Task?
With the unbeaten Autumn Glow set to run as the first odds-on favourite this century in the Epsom Handicap on Saturday we thought we’d run some data to see how big this mountain is that she’s attempting to climb, and turns out, it’s pretty big.
420k NZ Ready to Run Purchase Looks the Goods
Progressive three-year-old Sulek notched his first victory when landing the MRC Foundation Pin & Win Plate (1400m) at Sandown on Wednesday for trainer Dominic Sutton.
Almanzor Mare Chasing More Black Type
Group Two performer Mary Shan will be in search of an elusive stakes victory when she heads south to Hawera on Saturday where she will contest the Gr.3 Grangewilliam Stud Breeders’ Stakes (1400m).