Racing Industry Law and Regulation (LAWS70164)

For centuries the breeding and racing of animals, especially horses, has been pursued with interest and passion in many parts of the world. A race attracts betting and from that emerges the prospect of misdeeds. As the scale and economic significance of the racing and associated betting industries have grown, so too has regulation by private groups and public authorities. Today, these industries face new challenges to their economic and regulatory models, born of a wide range of alternate gambling opportunities and the need to safeguard integrity. Changing attitudes to animal welfare are also influential. This subject explores different ways in which the law operates in this field and might be developed to meet the new challenges. It is for anyone interested in animal racing, including legal counsel, integrity officers and gambling industry participants. The three-member teaching team brings to the subject a varied and high level of expertise.

This subject will consider selected topics concerning the regulation of the racing industry (thoroughbred, harness and greyhound) in Australia. The primary focus will be upon analysing evolving regulatory arrangements and the role of public policy.

Principal topics include:

• Overview of the structure of the racing industry in Australia, including identification of key stakeholders and commercial and legal relationships
• Governance and regulatory issues, including the historical role of Principal Clubs and the trend to public regulation
• Public policy issues in gambling control and their relationship to the racing industry
• Legal aspects of breeding, purchase and ownership, including the role of the Australian Stud Book and syndication
• Liability for injury
• Occupational regulation of jockeys, trainers and bookmakers
• Legal aspects of race results, prizes and incentive schemes
• Legal issues in professional gambling
• Disciplinary powers and processes, including stewards’ hearings, appeal tribunals and judicial reviews.