The open forum of the 57th International Conference of Horseracing Authorities, organized by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA), will be available on the IFHA’s website ifhaonline.org beginning at approximately 10:30 a.m. Central European Summer Time on Oct. 2 via live stream. Additionally, a replay of the Conference will be posted in the days following the event.
This year’s Conference will focus on safeguarding equine welfare and exploring shifts in societal expectations as well as the racing industry’s response around the world. The Conference will examine both immediate concerns and forward-looking initiatives to protect and promote equine welfare. IFHA Chair Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges will deliver the Conference’s opening and closing remarks.
Acclaimed broadcaster Nick Luck will serve as the moderator for the Conference, which will begin with a discussion on horse racing in an evolving society. The opening keynote address will be delivered by Professor Natalie Waran, Chair of the Independent Commission for Equine Ethics and Wellbeing for the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI).
The first panel discussion will bring together senior racing administrators to share their approaches and strategies to shape the narratives surrounding equine welfare and racing. Scheduled panelists include Lisa-Jane Graffard, General Secretary, Au-Delà des Pistes; Julie Harrington, Chief Executive, British Horseracing Authority (BHA); and Najja Thompson, Executive Director, New York Thoroughbred Breeders’ Inc. (NYTB).
An update on the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) in the United States will then be given by its Chair, Charles Scheeler.
The next session of the Conference will focus on protecting the sport’s equine athletes. Leaders from racing administration and veterinary science will share their perspectives and insights on this critical topic. Speakers for this panel include James Given, Director of Equine Regulation, Safety and Welfare, BHA; Josh Rubinstein, President, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club; Brian Stewart, Head of Veterinary Clinical Services, The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC); and Sonia Wittreck, Stud Book & Doping Control, Head of Department, France-Galop.
The final session will focus on effective public engagement and response, particularly in relation to the issue of equine welfare. It will begin with a presentation from Nevin Truesdale, Chief Executive Officer, The Jockey Club (UK). He will then be joined by Robert Green of Pierrepont Consulting and Analytics on how racing can leverage data-based insights to develop more proactive policies.
Additionally, the Japan Racing Association (JRA) will showcase the 40th Asian Racing Conference (ARC), which will be held in Sapporo, Japan in August/September 2024.
The first International Conference of Horseracing Authorities was organized and hosted by the Société d’Encouragement in Paris, France, on Oct. 9, 1967. Since 1994, the annual conference has been organized by the IFHA. The first meeting had 14 attendees from nine countries, while last year’s Conference convened delegates from more than 40 different countries with a number of other racing executives and media members also in attendance. The JRA became the official partner of the Conference beginning in 2021.
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