Yes, it’s happened, not fake news, the might of the Japanese thoroughbred is now the official partner of the 55th International Conference of Horseracing Authorities.
With the Japan Racing Association being the official partner of this 2021 Conference, it’s the second year that the IFHA has examined virtually racing’s challenges and evolution globally.
The International Federation of Horseracing Authorities, IFHA, has videos available on the IFHA website, which are available to the social media, along with the speaker’s podcasts.
The keynote speech was given by incoming IFHA Chair Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, who was elected the new head of the International Federation following Louis Romanet’s retirement.
“The 55th International Conference of the IFHA comes at a most significant time for our sport and the world,” said Engelbrecht-Bresges, on the challenges of the pandemic and climate change.
“More than ever, we must work together and harness the wealth of talent and expertise within our membership to not only face these challenges, but ensure that our sport thrives.”
“In the short, medium, and long term, this Conference gives us the opportunity to look forward at some key parts of the IFHA’s strategy for the future.”
“We are fortunate to have world-class speakers sharing their insights regarding digitalisation and media, equine welfare, climate change and sustainability.”
Michael Mulvhill, Executive Vice-President and Head of Strategy and Analytics at FOX Sports heads the guest speakers, along with Jamie Stier Chair of the IFHA Horse Welfare Committee and Racing Victoria Executive General Manager of Integrity Services.
Ms Di Arbuthnot follows as Chief Executive for Retraining of Racehorses and Chair of the International Forum for the Aftercare of Racehorses, with Dr Allen Hershkowitz as Founding Director and Chairman of Sport and Sustainability International and Environmental Science at the New York Yankees.
The Conference concluded in paying tribute to Louis Romanet, who after 27 years as Chairman was appointed to the honorary position of Chairman Emeritus, as of 4 October 2021.
In 2020 the Conference was transitioned virtually due to COVID-19, for in 2019 it convened delegates, executives and media from 50 countries, held alongside the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
‘The IFHA is the global leader for the international sport of Thoroughbred racing, seeking to promote all facets of the worldwide sport, protect the welfare of the equine and human athlete.’
‘It looks protect and grow its global social and economic significance for current and future generations, and the major areas of the IFHA’s activities include –
Making and amending the International Agreement on Breeding, Racing and Wagering (IABRW)
• 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
• Harmonization of Racing Rules
• Certification of IFHA Reference Labs
• 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 (OIE).’
Conference URLs can be found at –
https://ifhaonline.org/default.asp?section=Resources&area=10&conf=55&cYr=2021.
