International Thoroughbred Breeders Federation's biennial conference, will soon be underway, May 18-23 and hosted by Japan. Members last met in Newmarket in 2022.
Host, the JBBA (Japan Bloodhorse Breeders' Association), will welcome to Tokyo around 70 delegates from 20 countries on six continents, plus organizations EFTBA (European Federation of Thoroughbred Breeders' Association) and OSAF (South American Association for the promotion of Thoroughbred Race Horse Breeding).
The general meeting provides a platform for global information to be shared and discussed. Topical and significant breeding and racing industry issues are raised, and reports given on ITBF's proactivity within both breeding and the wider Thoroughbred industry.
Notably in Tokyo, representatives from the IFHA (International Federation of Horseracing Authorities) will be participating. Following the 2023 formal collaboration between the ITBF and IFHA, both chairmen, Kirsten Rausing (ITBF) and Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges (IFHA), will address the delegation on the importance of this welcomed agreement between breeding and racing.
Mr. Engelbrecht-Bresges will also present on equine welfare as the foundation of a socially responsible sport, a highly relevant topic. The IFHA/ITBF Working Group that meets regularly online, will also gather for a meeting in Tokyo.
The veterinary conference is also a fundamental part of the week. Managed by leading international vet and ITBF vice chairman, Dr. Des Leadon, industry experts from across the globe will contribute to the veterinary program. The host nation's plenary speaker Dr. Teruaki Tozaki of the JRA, will present on 'Biological Integrity of Thoroughbred Racehorses and Its Regulatory Challenges'.
Delegates are to be treated to a trip to Hokkaido, visiting Japan's most prestigious stud farms to view their world-class stallions. Shadai Stallion Station (home to the revered Equinox, Longines World's Best Racehorse of 2023), Darley Japan Stallion Complex, and Shizunai Stallion Station. Also, JRA Hidaka Training Farm and Bloodhorse Training Center are to be incorporated in the tour.
In addition to this extensive program, Tokyo's premier race meetings are being incorporated. With hospitality at the Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks) (G1) to begin the week, and the option of the Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) (G1), once the meetings have concluded—it all promises to be an outstanding week for ITBF members, whilst offering an unrivaled opportunity to network with other nations.
ITBF chairman Rausing said, "The ITBF much looks forward to its conference in Japan. The location of our meeting is topical and relevant, as it highlights Japan's pivotal role in the contemporary Thoroughbred industry. The success of Japanese breeding and racing is a marvelous example to us all."
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
