Racing Queensland (RQ) is seeking stakeholder feedback on a suite of proposed amendments to the Australian Rules of Racing that have been approved by the Racing Australia Board for consultation. Several of the proposed changes raise important issues for equine veterinarians, particularly in relation to animal welfare, veterinary oversight, and the interface between clinical decision-making and racing regulation.
The AVA is seeking member input to inform the development of its submission to this consultation.
Key areas for member consideration
Members may wish to provide feedback on the following aspects of the proposed changes, which are likely to be of most relevance to veterinary practice and equine welfare:
1. Proposed new AR 88G and Code of Practice – Horses which Collapse
These provisions introduce a nationally consistent protocol for managing horses that have experienced an episode of collapse, including mandatory reporting, detailed veterinary examinations, and staged requirements for return to exercise, trialling and racing. Members may wish to consider the appropriateness, practicality and evidentiary basis of the proposed veterinary assessment requirements, including specialist involvement, diagnostic testing expectations, and the implications for horse welfare and veterinary workload.
2. Proposed new AR 88AAA – Horses treated with beta-2 adrenergic agonists
The proposed rule introduces tighter regulation around the use of beta-2 agonists (including clenbuterol and salbutamol), with restrictions on diagnosis, duration of treatment, frequency of courses, and stand-down periods before racing. Member input may assist in assessing whether the proposed settings appropriately balance therapeutic need, animal welfare considerations, and concerns about performance-enhancing misuse.
3. Amendments to AR 219 and AR 221 – protests relating to whip rule breaches
The proposed amendments remove the ability to make or uphold a protest based on whip rule breaches, aligning with international approaches. While not directly veterinary-specific, members may wish to comment on any perceived indirect welfare implications or broader impacts on racing integrity and public confidence.
Relevant AVA policies
Members are encouraged to consider the proposed changes in the context of existing AVA policy positions, including:
• AVA Statement of Principles – Animal Welfare and Ethics
• The provision of optimum veterinary services to the horse racing industry
• Racing two year old thoroughbreds
• Thermocautery (firing) of horses and racing greyhounds
• Post-racing transition and retaining: Ensuring effective aftercare for retired horses
• Use of whips on horses at competitive events
How to contribute:
- Provide input to the AVA:
Please send your comments to robyn.whitaker@ava.com.au by 19 January 2026 to inform the AVA’s submission. - Make an individual submission to Racing Queensland:
Members may also lodge their own submissions directly with RQ by emailing policies@racingqueensland.com.au by the consultation closing date of 23 January 2026.
Member perspectives are essential to ensuring that veterinary expertise, animal welfare considerations and practical clinical realities are appropriately reflected in the regulatory framework governing horse racing.