Artificial Insemination Case Verdict Due Tomorrow

Monday, 17 December 2012 19:48

At 4pm on Wednesday, Federal Court judge Tony Robertson will deliver his long awaited judgment on the artificial insemination case brought against the racing industry by thoroughbred breeder Bruce McHugh.

McHugh, a former bookmaker and Chairman of the Sydney Turf Club, challenged the Australian Racing Board, the Australian Stud Book and Thoroughbred Breeders Australia against the worldwide ban of registration of thoroughbreds produced by artificial insemination.

In a six week trial held in September and August last year, dozens of witnesses were called by both sides in support of their arguments for and against the use of AI for thoroughbred breeding.

Costs for the plaintiff and respondents are estimated at ten million dollars with McHugh funding his case from personal assets and Thoroughbred Breeders Australia imposing a levy on breeders.

Victory for McHugh in the case will most likely lead to challenges to the restriction on AI in other countries.

Thoroughbred industry bodies have vowed to appeal if defeated but funding for an appeal may well prove problematic if a further levy on breeders is to be relied upon.