Cummings addresses Australian politicians on thoroughbred industry

Godolphin’s Australian head trainer James Cummings has played a central role this week in informing Federal government ministers and senior politicians on the importance to Australia of the country’s thoroughbred breeding industry.

Along with breeder, owner and former trainer Peter Moody, Cummings addressed MPs on the industry’s economic and cultural significance at a forum in Canberra.

The event organised by the breeding industry’s peak body, Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA), attracted MPs from all sides of politics, including Defence Minister Marise Payne and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten, the Trade Minister Steve Ciobo, Veterans Affairs Minister Dan Tehan and Small Business Minister Malcolm McCormack, and Shadow Agriculture Minister Joel Fitzgibbon, a co-convener of the Parliamentary Friends of Primary Producers group.

Cummings spoke of how the thoroughbred breeding industry had shaped his life, that of several generations of his family and of Australian society.

“I always admire the commitment breeders make to this industry and all the work that goes into making the champions of the future. Nobody knows whether a horse is a future champion as a foal, but breeders commit to giving all horses the best start in life,” Cummings said. 

“As a result, this industry is an integral contributer to the national economy and a vital part of Australian life.”

TBA chief executive Tom Reilly said the interest shown by Australia’s political leaders had surpassed expectations.

“We came to Canberra prepared to sell our industry: jobs in the regions, investment from overseas, export opportunities, but, by the time we got up to speak, leading politicians from all sides had made the point for us,” Reilly said.

“It was very gratifying that so many politicians were so well informed that they advocated so strongly on our behalf.”

Defence Minister Payne, who has a personal interest in racing and breeding, thanked the TBA delegation for informing politicians on what is the world’s second-largest breeding industry.

“Thank you for what you contribute to the economy in Australia... because your industry is a vital one to Australia,” Minister Payne said.

Opposition leader Shorten assured breeders his party was aware of the significance of their industry.

“Rest assured, we are very interested in the industry. We are very interested in what we can do for you,” he added.

The TBA delegation included breeders from every Australian state along with other industry figures including Godolphin’s interim Australian managing director Ross Cole and Vin Cox, who is to take over the role in 2018. 

TBA members are responsible for around 90 per cent of Australia’s thoroughbred production.