Saudi Arabia host 10th Aftercare of Racehorse Conference

The International Forum for the Aftercare of Racehorses held its 10th annual conference on 9 February in conjunction with the 41st Asian Racing Conference.

With the 41st ARC being runs until 14 February in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, it is being hosted by the Asian Racing Federation, ARF and the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia, JCSA.

The 10th IFAR Conference featured the JCSA’s Retraining & Riding Academy, and it was HRH Prince Bandar bin Khalid Al Faisal, Chairman of JCSA and Saudi Equestrian Authority in opening.

“Horse racing, like all horse sport, is founded on a unique partnership between people and horses. That partnership carries obligations that extend well beyond the horse leaving the track.”

“Aftercare is therefore not a ‘nice-to-have’ nor a response to public opinion, but a fundamental measure of integrity, credibility and sustainability in our sport,” His Highness said in following.

“By placing aftercare at the centre of discussions, via forums such as this, we affirm our commitment to a sport that is not only successful, but responsible, principled and worthy of public trust.”

IFAR Chair Dr. Eliot Forbes provided the welcome address, and HRH Princess Nanda-Devi Norodom, the President of the Cambodian Equestrian Federation, delivered the keynote address.

The rest of the conference, which was moderated by renowned broadcaster David Eades, featured a mix of presentations, panel discussions, videos, and networking opportunities.

“The occasion of our 10th IFAR conference naturally invites reflection,” said Dr Forbes. “In a decade, IFAR has helped create a global conversation on aftercare.”

“We have taken a topic that was too often treated as ‘back of house’ and helped move it into the boardroom, into strategy, and into the industry’s consciousness.”

“Today marks where we have been, and where we choose to go. It signals for the next period, not just to keep talking, but to keep building capability, sharing what works and lifting standards.”

The first panel, ‘Setting the Standard: Leadership in Aftercare,’ featured Andrew Harding, ARF Secretary General and Executive Director of the IFHA, Paull Khan, CEO of European and Mediterranean Horseracing Federation, Aaron Morrison, CEO of Racing Victoria and Salem Saeed Binmahfooz, Chairman Advisor and Technical Committee of JCSA.

In following Abdullah A. AlAseeri, Secretary-General of the Saudi Equestrian Authority presented on aftercare in Riyadh and Melissa Ware of Racing Victoria discussed traceability and measuring the success of post-racing programs.

In addition, Grace Muir offered insight into HEROS, which combines retraining and rehoming with children’s education, veterinary education, and owner development.

The final panel ‘Responsibility in Action: How Participants Shape Aftercare Outcomes,’ featured Rob Dauth of MyRacehorse, Anna Kerr, CEO of The National Stud and Dr. Alan Lai of Champs Legacy.

Natasha Rose, Chair of the IFAR Conference Committee and the Executive Manager, Equestrian Affairs Projects, at HKJC, provided closing remarks, and it was the fifth time it was held with the ARC.

Established in 2016, IFAR works to advocate for the lifetime care of retired racehorses, to increase awareness within the international racing community of this important responsibility, and to increase awareness in the sport horse world regarding the versatility of the Thoroughbred horse.