RV investigating AI claims

Racing Victoria has confirmed it is investigating claims surrogate mares have been used around some of the top horse flesh in the country.

The Herald Sun on Tuesday suggested RV had been handed documentation from a former employee of a major breeding operation that alleges the use of surrogate mares.

"The stewards are in the formative stages of an investigation that relates to thoroughbred breeding," an RV spokesman said.

"We don't intend to comment on the specifics of that investigation at this time."

It has been alleged that a surrogate was used for a champion mare who was struggling to conceive and that a surrogate was used to carry a foal that became a multiple Group 1 winner.

Surrogacy and artificial insemination are prohibited in thoroughbred racing, with the Australian Stud Book stating that horses must be bred naturally.

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Article written by: Brad Bishop