‘Race betting, both in the legal and illegal markets’ will be very much the focus at this 59th IFHA Conference, being held on Monday 6 October at the Le Méridien Paris Arc de Triomphe.
“Racing is facing a number of both challenges and opportunities in regards to engaging with current and future customers,” said IFHA Chair Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges in welcoming members.
“The evolution of betting markets and the regulation of them, and of course, the welfare of our equine athletes., so it is important that we stay on the forefront of such key topics.”
“Along with marketing and customer experience, the Conference will spotlight the work undertaken by the IFHA over the past 12 months, before turning to examine what lies ahead.”
Hosted by sports television presenter Rishi Persad, the Conference will feature address from prominent executive involved in growth and innovation of international sport and wagering companies.
Firstly, Ben Cleminson is Chief Executive of Square in the Air, a creative marketing consulting agency for racing and other sports across Europe and Asia, and specialises in performance marketing.
Along with video and content production, they feature media relations and public relations, social media and influencers, sponsorship and ambassadors, in addition to design and branding.
The Conference first session will feature Racing Wagering and Marketing – What Today’s Customers Want and What the Future Holds, with a presentation and panel discussion, followed by Q&A.
This will explore the dynamic landscape of horse racing wagering and marketing, while examining how technological advancements and shifting consumer behaviors are reshaping the industry.
Tony Allevato, Chief Revenue Officer and President NYRA Bets heads the speakers with Felicity Barnard, CEO of Ascot Racecourse and Drew Fleming, President and CEO of Breeders’ Cup Ltd.
Also, there is Pablo Kavulakian, President of the American Racing Channel in addition to Atsushi Kikuta, Director of International Affairs for the Japan Racing Association.
The afternoon session concentrates on the Growth of the Illegal Betting Market and Tackling Challenges in Betting Regulation, with the panel to discuss the immense growth of illegal betting on racing.
In examining the impacts of tighter government controls on gambling, the Speakers will include Tom Chignell, Consultant on Integrity Projects for The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Brant Dunshea, Acting CEO of British Horseracing Authority and Luca Esposito, Exec. Director of World Lottery Association;
Martin Purbrick, Chair of the IFHA Council on Anti-illegal Betting and Related Crime will also present, along with Vincent Ven, the Head of Anti-Match-Fixing for Union of European Football Associations.
The Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia will also present an overview of the 41st Asian Racing Conference, set to take place in Riyadh in February 2026 and will cover the planned week of events and sessions.
It will further expand the Asian Conferences’ key sessions on the business programme, social activities, and racing hospitality, and a live video stream of the 59th ICHA will be on the IFHA’s website.
A replay of the live video stream and presentations will be available in the days following the event.
The first International Conference of Horseracing Authorities was organised and hosted by the Société d’Encouragement in Paris, France, on October 9, 1967, and since 1994 the annual Conference has always been organised by the IFHA.
In 2024 the Conference convened delegates from some 40 different countries, with a number of other racing executives and both local and international media members in attendance.