Info on ANZ Chefs from Ross Prowd
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Ross Prowd
Editor, Turf Monthly
Custodian, Australasian Chefs-de-Race Classifications
Principal, Progold Thoroughbreds
To those with an interest in thoroughbred dosages,
I am pleased to release the 2026 Australasian (ANZ) Chefs-de-Race Classifications, following a comprehensive review of stallions that have influenced the development of the Australian and New Zealand Thoroughbred.
The review has been undertaken in the context of Dr. Steven Roman's 2026 international Chefs-de-Race additions, completed in collaboration with Ken Kush, and provides an updated Australasian classification that reflects both contemporary international developments and the distinctive evolution of the Thoroughbred in Australia and New Zealand.
As part of an ongoing review of the Australasian classifications, I corresponded with Dr. Roman regarding proposed updates to the Chefs-de-Race lists. Dr. Roman and Ken Kush subsequently released a comprehensive review of the North American roster. The publication of those additions provided the opportunity to finalize the Australasian review so that both classifications could continue to evolve in parallel while recognizing the unique influences that have shaped the Australian and New Zealand Thoroughbred.
The Australasian review was undertaken in consultation with Mr. John Hutchinson, whose pioneering work over many years established the foundation for recognising those stallions that have made a lasting contribution to the Australian and New Zealand Thoroughbred. John and I have worked together over many years and released our latest update in 2019.
The review continues to recognize the importance of inherited distance aptitude, consistent with the methodology developed by Dr. Steven Roman, together with the broader typological principles first described by Franco Varola. In practice, athletic type, physical development and distance aptitude are closely interrelated characteristics of the Thoroughbred, and the objective remains to identify those stallions that have consistently demonstrated the ability to transmit these characteristics through successive generations.
In reaching each classification, consideration was given to a stallion's long-term influence as a sire, the transmission of aptitude across generations including their performance as a broodmare sire, and the demonstrated performance of his progeny. The Australasian classifications are intended to complement the international Chefs-de-Race roster by recognizing those stallions whose influence has been fundamental to the development of the Australian and New Zealand Thoroughbred, while maintaining consistency with the broader international dosage framework. They are not intended to replace the international roster, but to ensure that the unique influences shaping the Australasian Thoroughbred are appropriately represented within the broader Chefs-de-Race framework.
The 2026 review introduces new Australasian classifications, revises a small number of existing classifications where appropriate, and incorporates Dr Roman's latest international additions to promote continued consistency across pedigree analysis in both hemispheres.
The attached classification list is provided for incorporation into pedigree databases, pedigree software and other analytical resources. It includes both new classifications and amendments to existing entries including an update of Dr. Roman's and Ken Kush's latest list in case you are not aware of those additions. I would be grateful if you could update your records accordingly so that breeders, researchers and pedigree analysts continue to have access to consistent and current classification data.
Supporting information, historical background and explanatory articles will be published progressively through the following resources:
·    chef-de-race.com.au– International and Australasian Chefs-de-Race classifications, historical background and ongoing updates.
·       dosages.com.au – Educational resources on dosage theory, typology and pedigree interpretation.
·       dosageprofile.com– Practical dosage analysis, pedigree interpretation and dosage profiles.
I would like to acknowledge the lasting contributions of Lt. Col. J. J. Vuillier, Dr. Franco Varola, Dr. Steven Roman, Ken Kush, Steven Miller and particularly Mr. John Hutchinson, whose work has been instrumental in ensuring that the unique influences shaping the Australasian Thoroughbred continue to be recognized within the Chefs-de-Race framework.
The Chefs-de-Race system has evolved through the work of successive custodians over many decades. It is my hope that this review continues that tradition by providing an up-to-date Australasian classification that complements the international framework, while encouraging ongoing collaboration and the continued refinement of the system for the benefit of breeders and pedigree researchers worldwide.
Should you have any questions regarding the classifications, require the data in an alternative format, or wish to discuss the review process or future additions, I would be delighted to hear from you. Constructive feedback is always welcome and will assist in the continued development of the Australasian Chefs-de-Race classifications.
Kind regards,
Ross Prowd
Editor, Turf Monthly
Custodian, Australasian Chefs-de-Race Classifications
Principal, Progold Thoroughbreds