Racehorse TALK

Australia's top-performing thoroughbred exports will be recognised with a new category at the 2009 Australian Racehorse-Of-The-Year & Hall-Of-Fame Awards. The Aushorse Marketing Champion Australian-bred International-Of-The-Year Award will be "based on performances by an Australian-bred horse trained by a trainer licensed outside of Australia or New Zealand" during the racing season 1 August 2008-31 July 2009 & "voted upon by members of the racing media & national administrators". Obvious initial contenders include Hong Kong star Sacred Kingdom, Singapore sprinter Rocket Man, HK International Sprint winner Inspiration & South African Gr1-winner Le Drakkar. Aushorse chief executive Peter McGauran commented: "Australia's racing & breeding industries are entering a new era of global success with Australian racehorses taking all before them around the world. The decades spent transforming Australia into a truly international breeding industry has paid dividends with 1,800 racehorses & broodmares exported annually to numerous racing countries. Australian horses have built a deserved reputation for affordability, speed, toughness & an ability to adapt to all conditions. The acclaimed international success of Australian-bred champions only serves to highlight the strength of the scale & scope of the Australian breeding industry & we are keen to honor our overseas ambassadors through this award." (Jun 18)