International Aftercare Forum Set for 2017

Groundwork continues to be laid for an international conference on racehorse aftercare that has been scheduled for October 2017, according to Godolphin, which in late July held three days of meetings as part of the planning process.

The international forum is designed to "bring together the official and national operations based around the world that facilitate and promote the retraining of racehorses," Godolphin said Aug. 1. The leading breeding and racing organization unveiled the effort at its recent "Lifetime Care for Thoroughbreds" meetings in England.

The International Forum for the Aftercare of Racehorses is expected to include representatives from Australia, France, Great Britain, Ireland, Japan, and the United States. Godolphin said IFAR will work with the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities and act as an assembly for discussion to facilitate growth of aftercare programs despite "geographical and industry differences."

Multiple programs, including the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance in the United States, have sprung up in recent years around the world. The IFAR "will enable these experiences to be shared, for best practices to be adopted, and for advice to be given to all racing jurisdictions regarding caring for and the retraining of former racehorses," Godolphin said.

"As one of the largest racing stables and breeding operations in the world, Godolphin works tirelessly to take the lead in both the lifetime care of horses and in the professional development of people working in our industry," said Diana Cooper, strategic adviser for charities at Godolphin. "The passion for the sport extends beyond the racetrack as Godolphin aims to have a positive long-lasting impact on the industry and racing communities worldwide."

Godolphin organized its first international aftercare meeting last year in Kentucky.

"Through initiatives such as the (TAA) and the Thoroughbred Incentive Program, The Jockey Club is playing an active role in promoting the retraining of racehorses in North America and we are delighted to be one of the founding members of IFAR," said Jim Gagliano, Jockey Club president and chief operating officer and IFHA vice chairman. "Promoting equine welfare both during and after a horse's racing career is vital in ensuring the public's confidence in the sport is maintained and is integral to the future health of horse racing."

Jamie Stier, chair of the IFHA Horse Welfare Committee, said there is a better understanding and recognition of "shared responsibility" to ensure retired racehorses are cared for properly upon retirement. He noted the success of former racehorses that have been retrained for other disciplines.

Paul Roy, chairman of Retraining of Racehorses, said the organization "has developed into a vehicle for the practical retraining of horses for different disciplines and works to pursue this proactive approach with benefit of consulting like-minded international bodies while recognizing cultural differences across the globe. IFAR is a natural next step in our journey."