Riyadh welcomes the world to the 41st Asian Racing Conference the Asian Racing Federation’s showpiece highlights ‘Honouring Tradition, Shaping the Future’ theme.
In a dazzling spectacle over 600 delegates from the global horse racing industry as the 41st Asian Racing Conference got under way in charismatic style in Riyadh on Monday.
To the sights and sounds of Saudi Arabia the Opening Ceremony fell to HRH Prince Bandar bin Khalid Al Faisal, the chairman of the Conference hosts, the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia.
Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, CEO of the Hong Kong Jockey Club and Chair of Asian Racing Federation, picked out the challenges to racing’s sustainability and the impact of AI and data.
“It is appropriate that this year’s Conference is held here in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the theme: “Honouring Tradition, Shaping the Future,” he told the audience.
“The Kingdom is home to one of the world’s oldest equine cultures, and our sport is very different to almost every other major sport, because unlike others the centre of our sport is the horse.”
“For thousands of years, horses played a role in the people of the Arabian Peninsula – they have been a companion in journey, a partner in survival, and a symbol of nobility, courage, and honour.”
“Not only does this define the Asian Racing Federation’s priorities, including welfare, integrity, and development of the breed but it is also the source of one of our greatest strengths.”
“Namely that this shared affinity for the horse provides a common purpose, inspiring us to work together across borders and take our sport to its greatest heights.”
In his opening comments, HRH Prince Bandar bin Khalid Al Faisal described his pride at the world’s horse racing industry convening on Riyadh for such a momentous occasion.
“The week’s activities got under way earlier on Monday with the 10th International Forum for the After Care of Racehorses Conference before a busy week of activities continues.”
“Three days of discussion, thought leadership and insight at the Crowne Plaza Riyadh RDC Convention Centre are to come, covering topics ranging from the role of equestrianism and sport.”
“In Saudi’s Vision 2030 ambitions, the impact and role of the Gulf Horseracing Council as well as the future of the sport across AI, integrity and attracting new audiences to the sport.”
“The 7th staging of the $20m Saudi Cup at King Abdulaziz Racecourse on Saturday 14 February when Japan’s Forever Young will be seeking a place in the history as the race’s first repeat winner.”
Leaders of Vision 2030 projects across Saudi Arabia told Conference delegates that equestrianism and sports are having a crucial impact on economic development and investment in the country.
Panellist Tim Hadaway, Equestrian Development Executive Director, Sports Sector, AlUla, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, said “The horse is really one of the key strategic pillars of the project, part of Vision 2030 to drive economic development and diversity as well as the development of tourism, to showcase this part of The Kingdom to the world.”
“We’re working together, looking at what the ecosystem needs across The Kingdom, and to find that really strong infrastructure, that really strong development, that our company is going to see and helps the Kingdom succeed on the international stage.”
Marc Hewett, Executive Director, Head of Racecourse, Qiddiya Investment Company, announced “Creating economic stability and economic rights, increasing equity, increasing demand, job creation, sustainability, targets and improving that infrastructure.”
“These developments were all based around core, residential, education, sport, and retail projects. We’re embracing the power of play, new residents and social communities, 500,000 residents, 200,000 jobs, tourism, hospitality, education, sports and entertainment.”