Vic: Arabian, quarter horses to race in Aust for first time

AAP General News (Australia)
12-09-1999
Vic: Arabian, quarter horses to race in Aust for first time

MELBOURNE, Dec 9 AAP - The Victorian government has approved licensed betting on Arabian
and quarter horses at a trial race meeting next month.

The meeting will be held at Great Western, in western Victoria, on Saturday, January 22.

State Racing Minister Rob Hulls said he had issued a one-off permit to allow the races.

Mr Hulls said previous governments had been shy to introduce new horse racing in Australia,
and hoped it could be expanded to other country tracks.

"I think it will be great for country racing and racing people living in country Victoria,"

Mr Hulls said.

"It's an experiment at Great Western ... but I think it's going to be a spectacular day."

Mr Hulls said the Arabian was the first known racehorse in the world and it raced in
every country except Australia and New Zealand.

Quarter horses are small horses with well-developed hindquarters and chest that have
been bred for speed over short distances, originally a quarter of a mile - hence their
name.

They now race over distances of about 400 metres.

"With possibly more overseas investment in the industry coming from this development,
I hope all racing enthusiasts will embrace the move," he said.

"In particular, the decision has the potential to further enhance country racing."

AAP turf ljm/er/sub/bwl

KEYWORD: RACING HULLS

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