The International Federation of Horseracing Authorities will both reflect on major achievements across six decades and focus on racing's future when it gathers for the 60th International Conference of Horseracing Authorities Oct. 5 at Le Méridien Paris Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France.
The keynote address will be delivered by Princess Zahra Aga Khan. Sports television presenter Rishi Persad will serve as moderator for the conference.
"For 60 years delegates with a passion for racing have gathered to share ideas and promote international cooperation with a view to advancing the sport," said IFHA Chair Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges. "It is important that we look back on the key successes of the IFHA while also examining the state of racing as it is today. By combining a look at the past and the future, we hope to engage and inspire our members as we strive to improve international racing for many more decades to come."
Following a presentation on the IFHA's past 60 years by its executive director Andrew Harding, a panel discussion will be held that traces the evolution of the IFHA and its current agenda.
Other panelists will be: Jim Gagliano, president and COO, The Jockey Club (United States) and IFHA vice-chair; Brian Kavanagh, CEO, The Curragh and former IFHA vice-chair; Simon Cooper, former vice chair, International Stud Book Committee; and Frances Nelson, former chair, Racing Australia. Murray Acklin, former chair, Asian Racing Federation, will also provide prerecorded video remarks.
Engelbrecht-Bresges will lead the second session of the conference with an address on exploring the current challenges facing the sport. He will then take part in a panel discussion focused on leading racing toward a strong and sustainable future.
Those panelists will include: Masayuki Goto, executive adviser, Japan Racing Association and IFHA vice-chair; Guillaume de Saint-Seine, president, France Galop; Everett Dobson, chair, The Jockey Club (U.S.); Suzanne Eade, CEO, Horse Racing Ireland; Felicity Barnard, CEO, Ascot; Teddy Grimthorpe, chair, International Thoroughbred Breeders' Federation; and Vee Moodley, chief executive, National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa.
A live video stream of the 60th ICHA will be available on the IFHA website. A replay of the live video stream and presentations will be available in the days following the event.
