IFHA Conference Addresses Racing's Challenges

During the 50th conference of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities Oct. 3 in Paris, France, chairman Louis Romanet addressed core opportunities and future challenges to international horse racing.

Romanet discussed a number of issues, including the need to work alongside the International Stud Book Committee and stud books around the world to monitor any developments that threaten the Thoroughbred breed, such as genetic and cellular manipulation; the desire to eradicate race-day medication on all continents and have out of competition testing; the importance of advancing progressive horse welfare policies; providing aftercare solutions; and facilitating the movement of horses in a responsible and efficient manner.

Romanet also discussed achievements of the IFHA throughout the decades. The most recent milestone touched upon the IFHA's partnership with swiss watchmaker Longines, which began three years ago. The partnership has transformed the federation's approach to external communication and also has led to the most prestigious awards in international horse racing. Those awards include the Longines World's Best Racehorse, Longines World's Best Jockey, Longines World's Best Horse Race, and the Longines and IFHA International Award of Merit.

The other main sessions of the conference were led by the three IFHA vice chairmen.

Horse Racing Ireland chief executive Brian Kavanagh oversaw the topic "Promoting and Attracting Racehorse Ownership," Jockey Club president and chief operating officer Jim Gagliano moderated a panel titled "Providing Aftercare Solutions at a Global Level," and Hong Kong Jockey Club chief executive officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges chaired the session "Strategies to Secure and Grow Revenues for Racing." 

The conference's keynote address was delivered by Princess Haya, one of the most prominent leaders in equine sport. As president of the Fédération Equestre Internationale from 2006 to 2014, she led the global equestrian sports governing body to a number of significant milestones.

"Together, over the last nine years, the FEI and IFHA have climbed some huge mountains, and while each Federation enjoys complete autonomy and individuality, both exist for one reason and one reason only—the horse. And no matter how many differences the industries believe they have, that shared jewel means that what affects one, must affect the other. But also, what can be achieved together is far greater than what can ever be done in isolation."

The IFHA is the world peak body for the international sport of Thoroughbred racing. Its members are the national racing authorities across the globe that stage Thoroughbred races.

Major areas of the IFHA's activities include:

—Making and amending the International Agreement on Breeding, Racing and Wagering (the IABRW);

—Policy development relating to welfare and safety of horses and riders;

—International race planning and grading ("black type");

—World Rankings;

—Equine prohibited substances and practices;

—Harmonization of race-day rules; and

—Fostering commercial development of the racing industry globally.

Video replays and presentations will be made available in the days following the conference.