Racing & Equine Lawyers
Attwood Marshall Lawyers is one of the few law firms that provide specialist advice in this niche legal area across both Queensland and New South Wales districts.
With highly specialised knowledge in the business aspects of the horse racing industry, we can guide you through the complexities of the regulations surrounding buying and selling racehorses, business structuring, taxation, compensation, disputes and more.
The Racing and Equine Law department is headed up by Legal Practice Director, Jeff Garrett, who is a seasoned lawyer with valuable insight into the thoroughbred breeding and racing industry. He is, after all, a commercial breeder and racehorse owner himself. His first-hand knowledge of the industry and ability to communicate easily with those involved in horse racing and breeding are the reasons clients continue to come back to Attwood Marshall Lawyers, knowing all their legal affairs are in the right hands.
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Our specialty areas include:
Sharing the ownership of a racehorse with the original purchaser or breeder comes with a number of legal matters to consider.
The appeals process for trainers and jockeys in the horse racing industry varies in each State and Territory. In Queensland, appeals are dealt with through the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission internal review appeal process, while in New South Wales, appeals need to go through Racing NSW (RNSW). Time limitations apply for appeals to be lodged, so it is imperative you seek the right legal advice as soon as possible.
Our dedicated team are experienced in the appeals process and have the state-specific knowledge to guide you through your preparation and hearing. We can assist and advise you to ensure all the correct procedures are followed and paperwork is lodged on time. We can represent you during your appearance before the board, giving you the best possible chance of a favourable outcome. Following the appeal, if you choose to have the decision reviewed, we can help you take that next step.
The Thoroughbred industry can be very lucrative, but its unique nature means there are many aspects to carefully consider.
If you are commencing or restructuring your business in thoroughbred breeding, racing, or ownership, Attwood Marshall Lawyers can assist you with creating a viable business plan, financial projections and industry benchmarking reports to ensure your success.
We can perform a thorough assessment of your operation under the Business vs. Hobby test to make sure you are meeting the necessary criteria for future tax purposes and GST registration.
With a firm grasp of all the legal and financial implications of various business structures, we can provide professional and comprehensive advice to help you get your business on the right track. Setting it up correctly right from the start will give you the best chance of maintaining a profitable operation while meeting all your necessary regulatory requirements.
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has recently cracked down on the horse racing industry in Australia, highlighting the need to make sure all your activities are fully compliant with current taxation laws and regulations.
We help you understand and meet your tax obligations, as well as provide personalised advice to ensure you’re correctly adhering to regulation without over-paying.
We can assist you with developing strategies to ensure compliance and take full advantage of any tax depreciation rules available for livestock. We can also provide a full case submission analysing your activities and operation in view of an audit by the ATO.
Our specialist advice extends to assisting foreign owners and breeders minimise the impact of Australian tax law and comply with their filing requirements. If you need to attend discussions or information requests with the ATO, our representation can help lead to a positive outcome.
Contract disputes are a difficult, draining and time-consuming process. With an experienced litigator on your side, any contract disputes in horse racing will be dealt with promptly and fairly to guide the outcome to the most favourable one possible for all parties involved.
If you have been injured while riding in a race, or during the course of your work in the thoroughbred breeding and horse racing industry, you are entitled to workers’ compensation under Queensland and New South Wales legislation.
Strict time limits apply so it is imperative to seek legal advice as soon as possible if you have suffered from an injury or illness related to your work.
Attwood Marshall Lawyers have extensive experience in workers’ compensation claims. Whether you are in New South Wales or Queensland, we can give you state-specific advice so you can understand your legal rights.
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With specialised experience in all aspects of horse racing and the equine industry, we are here to help you.
