The International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) has taken a significant step towards shaping the future of global racing by hosting its inaugural Climate Change and Sustainability Summit in Porto, Portugal.
Held on July 13-14, the first-of-its-kind event brought together 50 international delegates to share best practices, exchange ideas and foster collaboration aimed at advancing climate change and sustainability initiatives across the Thoroughbred racing industry.
“Today marks an important milestone, not only for the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities, but for the sport of Thoroughbred racing as a whole,” said IFHA Vice President Henri Pouret.
“Sustainability is not a one-off initiative or a single project but, rather, a long-term commitment that requires leadership, innovation, investment and, above all, collaboration.”
“It will inevitably involve difficult decisions and trade-offs, but it will also unlock new opportunities for efficiency, resilience, and growth, and this the first-time global racing has come together.”
“And in a dedicated forum to focus exclusively on climate change and sustainability, it tells a powerful story that the challenges we face are real, they are urgent, and they demand collective action.”
A leadership panel followed, exploring the challenges and opportunities racing faces, including its social licence to operate, welfare expectations and the importance of stronger partnerships.
Hosted by Brant Dunshea, CEO of the British Horseracing Authority, who is also an Executive Council Member of the IFHA and Vice-Chair of the European & Mediterranean Horseracing Federation, the panel featured James Gomme, Senior Director of Education at the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, and Filippo Veglio, Chief of Social & Environmental Sustainability at UEFA.
The opening session, Prevalence and Impact of Extreme Weather Events, examined the growing impact of climate change and extreme weather on racing and other sports. Delegates reviewed strategies used to mitigate disruption to major global sporting events, including the Olympic Games, Fédération Equestre Internationale competitions and racing operations.
Katie Carr, Head of Environmental Sustainability at the British Horseracing Authority, led the session, with speakers including James Mizzi, Veterinary Officer for Veterinary Regulation, Welfare and Biosecurity Policy at the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
The second session, Horse Welfare and Sustainability, focused on land management practices that support healthy foals, along with practical solutions to help breeding farms integrate sustainable practices into their operations.
Delegates also examined how climate change is influencing the spread of infectious diseases into new regions, highlighting the need for enhanced surveillance and vaccine development. The session further explored the relationship between racing surface conditions and injury prevalence, with increasingly severe weather expected to create greater challenges in preparing safe racing tracks.
“The conversations have shown that while racing jurisdictions face different environmental challenges, we share a common ambition: to safeguard the long-term future of the sport,” said Brant Dunshea.
“None of us have the answers. If every organisation leaves Porto committed to taking practical action and sharing what it learns with others, this Summit will have achieved something truly valuable.”
“Climate change does not recognise borders, and neither should the solutions. By continuing to collaborate we can strengthen the resilience of racing worldwide and ensure our sport continues to thrive for generations to come.”
