The Full Federal Court of Australia has unanimously dismissed a challenge to that country's ban on artificial insemination (AI) in Thoroughbreds.

As a result of the ruling, the Australian Stud Book rules related to natural breeding of Thoroughbred horses, and subsequently the Australian Rules of Racing of Thoroughbreds, have again been found to be valid and enforceable, a statement from the Thoroughbred Breeders of Australia said.

The April 17 decision by the federal court upholds judgment handed down by Justice Robertson in December 2012.

In upholding the current Thoroughbred breeding standard that requires a mare to be covered, Robertson ruled Dec. 19 that owner-breeder Bruce McHugh's argument that the current breeding policies restrain trade comes up short on evidence. McHugh is a former bookmaker and former chairman of Sydney Turf Club

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