At a recent Government of Japan Conferment Ceremony the IFHA Chair Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges was awarded “The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon.”
Hosted by Ambassador Okada Kenichi the Consul-General of Japan in Hong Kong on 2 July 2024, Mr Engelbrecht-Bresges is only the second non-Japanese racing figure to receive this awarded.
In following Mr Louis Romanet, the IFHA Chair Emeritus who received this same award in 2010, it was Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges who stated upon receiving this award:-
“I am deeply humbled and grateful to receive this honour as a recognition of my contributions to the Japanese Racing and Breeding industry.”
“The strength and continued development of the Japanese industry has been extremely rewarding not only for Japan, but also for the global equine sport and breeding industry.”
Issued by the Ministry of Foreign of Japan the decoration is the recognition of his contribution to promoting international development of Japanese horse racing and thoroughbred breeding.
Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges also paid special tribute to International Federation Horseracing Association members, The Hong Kong Jockey Club and the Japan Racing Association.
“I would like to reiterate how much everyone at The Hong Kong Jockey Club appreciates the strong partnership we have developed with the Japan Racing Association over many years.”
“Our shared commitment to world-class racing in protecting the welfare of the equine and human athlete and to growing racing’s global social and economic significance has contributed extensively to the objectives of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities.”
“I sincerely hope that through our partnership, Hong Kong and Japan along with other IFHA members can continue to advance racing and contribute to the betterment of the industry globally.”
The IFHA is a federation of more than 60 racing authorities from different countries and regions in the world and is the global leader for the international sport of Thoroughbred racing.
In promoting all facets of the worldwide sport, it protects the welfare of the equine and human athlete and protect and grow its global social and economic significance for current and future generations.
Major areas of the IFHA’s activities include:
- Making and amending the International Agreement on Breeding, Racing and Wagering
- Policy development relating to welfare and safety of horses and riders
- International race planning and grading (“black type”)
- World rankings
- The fight against equine prohibited substances and practices
- Harmonisation of racing rules
- Certification of IFHA reference laboratories
- Fostering commercial development of the racing industry globally
The IFHA is a foundation member with Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) of the International Horse Sports Confederation and is affiliated to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).