Global outreach is critical to addressing the issues that threaten the future of horse racing, experts said in a range of venues through the Asian Racing Conference held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in the days ahead of the Saudi Cup (G1).
Participants and attendees cited declining foal crops with attendant threats to genetic diversity and fan appeal, economic issues preventing young people from pursuing racing careers, and continuing concern about horse welfare as issues to be addressed.
There was some sentiment that progress is being made, including in the Middle East, in development of a response. Asian Racing Conference secretary general Andrew Harding, who also serves as executive director for racing of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, told a closing-day panel that the sport has to connect with the next generation.
"Our sport goes back more than centuries, but in terms of its future, this will depend on its relevance to youth," Harding said. "Beyond their participation as fans, there is the question then of their participation in the workforce."
Several panelists discussed the implications of declining foal crops as a threat to field size and as a squeeze on breeders. Kate Galvin, nomination sales and operating manager of Jonabell Farm, Godolphin USA, and Japanese bloodstock agent Yukio Shimokobe both said there are promising signs in their jurisdictions. But others said concentration at the top of a shrinking market can limit their breeding decisions.
Jayne McGivern, CEO of Sports Boulevard Foundation, said she would prefer to breed to race and support that with some commercial horses.
"But owner-breeders now are getting squeezed. If I'm breeding horses to feed my family and educate my children and the only thing that's selling is sprinters, I'm going to seek out stallions to fit that market," she said.
A concentration of horses in one segment of racing will negatively impact field sizes in other segments, with attendant lower interest in wagering, said Philip Newton, chair of Britain's Thoroughbred Breeders' Association. He reported a 36% decline in foals since 2004 and said he has been "making a nuisance of myself on this issue for years."
Citing the significant movement of horses among sales jurisdictions, he argued declining numbers are a multijurisdictional issue.
"It doesn't matter what any racing jurisdiction is doing in isolation," Newton said. "The positive is that there is very clear evidence that there is a global audience and global attention on an international elite racing product."
The key, he argued, is cooperation among jurisdictions to market a coherent global brand comprising the major race meetings around the globe—an effort that will require more selflessness and mutual support than has yet to surface.
"In 2025 racing carnivals around the world shone brilliantly, and they illustrated quite emphatically both their strengths and indeed their future potential," Harding said. "What are the ingredients to successfully market a racing carnival? High quality horses are an obvious start, and when we see horses achieve success across the globe, then we have the makings of telling stories that creates stars for our sport and builds a global fan base."
While complex and conflicting bureaucratic demands, veterinary regulations, travel logistics, and similar red tape stand in the way of globalization, some of the industry's most influential voices cited progress.
Hong Kong Jockey Club CEO Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges said the HKJC's World Pool has successfully joined many jurisdictions through pooled wagering, creating marketing and simulcasting opportunities. And Prince Bandar Bin Khalid Alfaisal, chairman of the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia, said efforts to coordinate racing among Middle Eastern nations that started alongside the Saudi Cup's inaugural running in 2000 recently have borne fruit.
"It's been going very well," he said. "In the past two years, we have made much progress on issues like horse movement and coordination of fixtures (race meetings)."
That comes as several Middle Eastern nations have jockeyed to raise the visibility of their racing and plug into a crowded calendar dominated by the Saudi Cup and Dubai World Cup (G1) meetings in February and March.
"Now, no surprises," Prince Bandar said. "That's very important."
