Examining international integrity measures will be a top priority for Minister for Racing Martin Pakula during a visit to Japan promoting Victoria’s racing industry.
Mr Pakula said the visit would provide a valuable opportunity to learn from integrity practices successfully implemented at the Miho Training Centre.
Recognised worldwide for its rigorous integrity standards, Miho Training Centre in Tokyo is one of two leading training facilities for Japan’s thoroughbred racing industry.
Under Japanese racing industry standards, all competing horses must be stabled at the facility two weeks before a major race meeting.
The Andrews Labor Government is committed to ensuring integrity is at the forefront across the three racing codes. International integrity measures are of particular interest and information sharing between jurisdications is timely with a new integrity model being developed by Mr Paul Bittar to keep Victoria’s racing industry One step ahead of those who might try to cheat.
In February this year, the Government dedicated $200,000 from the Victorian Racing Industry Fund to build the first dedicated cobalt-testing laboratory in Australian racing.
Mr Pakula will also address the Japan-Australia Horse Racing Forum which aims to increase awareness of Victoria’s racing industry in the growing Asian market.
Victoria is the proud leader of Australian racing, generating more than $2.8 billion in economic activity and supporting more than 26,500 full-time jobs.
Quotes attributable to Racing Minister Martin Pakula
"The Government is committed to improving the integrity of our racing codes and this tour provides a fantastic opportunity to look at the latest international integrity and training practices in thoroughbred racing."
"Victoria and Japan have a shared history of competing in each other’s premier races. This visit provides a chance to strengthen those ties and encourage greater participation in each others’ racing industries in the future."
Reviewed 10 February 2021