Breaking Barriers at 39th ARC Melbourne

‘In Breaking Barriers we examine the most pressing issues of our time and take inspiration from what is being done around the world to overcome barriers to the advancement of racing.’

In this the 39th Asian Racing Conference ‘we look to the future of racing, identifying the major roadblocks that will stand in our way and explore ways to proactively break down those barriers.’

‘Through technology, innovation and collaboration’ this COVID delayed Racing Victoria hosted event will be staged in Melbourne on 14-17 February, along with the Black Caviar Lightning Race Day.

In Breaking Barriers ARFC Chairman Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges stated “we will highlight the needs and expectations and fundamental role of owners and delve into the importance of the welfare.”

“For both our equine and human athletes, we will explore ways in which racing and other sports can combat climate change and threats to sustainability, to ensure the future of our industry.”

“We will also examine the impact of technological disruptors and their role in engaging new fans including Gen Z, analyse the long-reaching effects that are key to racing and wagering developments.”

Today Racing Victoria is the principal racing authority for governing the sport of thoroughbred racing in the state of Victoria and its objective is to lead and champion horse racing across Victoria.

In its vision of ‘Racing for All’ Racing Victoria wants more people, more often enjoying and engaging in this great sport, with racing being a major economic contributor and employer within Victoria.

Its annual size, scope and participation generates a $3.4 billion impact on the Victoria economy, with Household Income being $1.87 billion, via 25,705 full time jobs and 111,194 active participants.

The 3-day Business Programme will be interactive, featuring keynote speeches and panel discussions by racing and sports administrators, government officials, industry experts and corporate leaders: –

Tuesday 15 February

Session 1 – The Landscape is identifying major trends, critical challenges and threats that have emerged.

Session 2 – The Wager will examine major barriers and opportunities that impact the future of wagering.

Session 3 – The Fan is to explore how racing and other sports are breaking through barriers to engage.

Wednesday, 16 February

Session 4 – The Owner looks to key trends to become and continue as an owner, and broaden ownership

Session 5 – The Horse will examine steps taken to ensure the welfare at all stages of the horse’s life.

Session 6 – The Sustainable will explore key issues on climate change along with industry case studies.

Session 7- The Mind examines the human mind as a key issue of our time in sport and support issues.

Thursday 17 February

Session 8 – The Shift is an overview of sports key trends and its intersection with the new dimension.

Session 9 – The Developments will explore racing and wagering in ARF member countries and regions.

Session 10 – The Defence explores investigative techniques used to catch those seeking to corrupt racing

Session 11 – The Future is creating the future workforce through leadership to retain the best talent.

Brian Kruger, Racing Victoria Chairman expressed ‘international forums as the Asian Racing Conference, where ideas are exchanged and developed, are therefore crucial to the global growth of racing.’

‘Over 20 countries are represented, and a world-class speaker program delivered by leading experts in their fields will take in-depth looks to subjects that are integral to safeguarding racing’s future’.

In addition, the Black Caviar Lightning Race Day at Flemington on the Saturday ‘celebrates the feats of the magnificent mare who retired with an unblemished race record from 25 career starts.’