Stallion registration for the 25/26 breeding season (1 September 2025 to 31 August 2026) is now open with Harness Racing Australia (HRA) and closes on 31 October 2025. Late fees apply.
DO I NEED TO REGISTER MY STALLION?
Registration is not automatic.
A person intending to stand a stallion in any given breeding season must make application to register the sire via HRA.
The application process includes the provision of information relevant to each stallion which includes, among other details, proof of identify, transport movements, location, stallion ownership, semen ownership, agency/licence agreements, method, and a declaration of the “total service cost” for a stallion service.
Additional information is to be provided to HRA during the breeding season regarding services by a sire and its movements between studs within Australia as well as into and out of Australia. A report as to the countries of location of the sire during the season is to be provided to HRA at the end of season. HRA may conduct additional audits throughout the season.
WHO CAN APPLY TO REGISTER A STALLION?
If a person other than the stallion owner wishes to register the stallion, an authorised Studmaster, agent or other person can submit the application along with a letter of Authority from the stallion owner. This also applies to authorised agents of imported and frozen semen.
HOW DO I APPLY?
Option 1
From 1 July 2025, an online application form will be available under the owners & breeders tab
https://www.harness.org.au/owners-breeders/landing-page-register-your-stallion/
Option 2
Complete and return the relevant stallion registration form available from HRA. (A separate application form is to be completed for each stallion).
- Australian Domiciled stallions:
https://www.harness.org.au/hra/breeding/form-R274B-1-stallion-registration-aust-domiciled.pdf
- New Zealand Domiciled and Other stallions:
https://www.harness.org.au/hra/breeding/form-R274B-2-stallion-registration-nz-domiciled-and-other.pdf
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO REGISTER?
The fee to register a stallion for the 25/26 breeding season is $575 including gst.
There may be other stallion registration fees due as part of the foal component, and these will be invoiced separately.
WHO DO I PAY?
Stallion registration fees are payable directly to Harness Racing Australia (HRA). There are penalties for late payment of invoices.
HOW DO I PAY
- Direct credit into HRA’s bank account:
- BSB: 633-000
- Account – 159 968 668
- Reference – list the Stallion’s name as the reference or if paying for multiple stallions and limited space include stud / contact name; or,
- If you are unable to direct deposit or are experiencing difficulties, phone HRA on +61 3 9227 3000 to discuss other payment methods.
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY APPLICATION IS APPROVED?
The application will be reviewed by HRA and if approved, payment will be processed.
Certification to confirm successful registration, or to request additional information as part of the application process (if required), will be sent via separate email.
HRA will require completion of additional documents for imported semen and will contact relevant parties once the stallion registration(s) are approved.
CAN I SEE WHICH STALLIONS ARE REGISTERED FOR A BREEDING SEASON?
Yes, visit the Registered Stallions List on harness.org.au and select the breeding season you wish to view.
IF I HAVE QUESTIONS OR REQUIRE ASSISTANCE, HOW DO I GET IN TOUCH WITH HRA?
Please email us at registrar@hra.com.au and a team member will be in touch.
EMBRYO TRANSFER
If you are planning on an Embryo Transfer procedure, prior approval must be sought, and you must ensure the following steps are followed (or risk the non-registration of subsequent foal):
- Pre-approval required from your state controlling body prior to the procedure – FORM R285B-1
- After the procedure, submit a procedure notification to your state controlling body – FORM R285B-2
RECENT CHANGES TO ARTIFICIAL BREEDING RULES – New Rule 281 (2)
19. ARTIFICIAL BREEDING
Techniques and Procedures
- Renumber Rule 281 to 281(1) and Amend preamble
- Add new Rule 281(2)
281. (1) Subject to sub-rule (2) artificial breeding consists of all techniques and procedures -
(a) whereby semen can be obtained from a stallion and introduced into a mare;
(b) relating to the collection, storage, chilling, freezing, transportation and use of semen;
(c) relating to the extraction of an embryo from a mare, and the placement of an embryo into a mare, and the transfer of an embryo from one mare to another;
(d) which are determined by HRA or the Controlling Body to be techniques or procedures relating to artificial breeding.
(2) The genetic practices of In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF), Ovum Pick-Up (OPU) and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) are prohibited techniques and procedures.
RECENT CHANGES TO FREE RETURNS FOR STALLIONS THAT REACH THEIR 150 AU MARES SERVED LIMIT
While the number of mares bred will remain at 150, free returns will now be in addition to this number and no longer included in this number. You only need to seek HRA approval if that sire has reached their 150 Australian mares served limit.
A full list of breeding rules and regulations can be found via these links:
Australian Harness Racing Rules - Index
Australian Trotting Stud Book Regulations (harness.org.au)
Australian Breeding - Imported Semen Requirements & Application (harness.org.au)
Australian Harness Racing Rules 281-290 - Artificial Breeding
