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IFHA Unveils Racing Integrity Handbook and Launches Anti-Illegal Betting Council

IFHA Unveils Racing Integrity Handbook and Launches Anti-Illegal Betting Council

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IFHA Unveils Racing Integrity Handbook and Launches Anti-Illegal Betting Council

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During the 58th International Conference of Horseracing Authorities (ICHA), organised by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA), several integrity-related developments in racing were announced. The IFHA has released its RacingIntegrity Handbook and created the IFHA Council on Anti-illegal Betting and Related Crime.

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41st Asian Racing Conference heads to Saudi Arabia in 2026

41st Asian Racing Conference heads to Saudi Arabia in 2026

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41st Asian Racing Conference heads to Saudi Arabia in 2026

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The 41st Asian Racing Conference (ARC) will be held in Saudi Arabia in 2026 with the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia, in conjunction with the Asian Racing Federation (ARF), to stage the international conference in Riyadh.

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The call for more inclusion and diversity in racing

The call for more inclusion and diversity in racing

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The call for more inclusion and diversity in racing

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Leading South African racing operator Ms. Fundi Sithebe has called for more inclusivity and diversity in the sport, encouraging the dismantlement of stereotypes.

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A life’s work – JRA’s Masayuki Goto tells of enduring commitment to horse racing

A life’s work – JRA’s Masayuki Goto tells of enduring commitment to horse racing

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A life’s work – JRA’s Masayuki Goto tells of enduring commitment to horse racing

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During a keynote speech at the 40th Asian Racing Conference (ARC) in Sapporo, Japan, Mr. Masayuki Goto, Vice-Chair of the Asian Racing Federation (ARF) and Executive Advisor of the Japan Racing Association (JRA), identified aspects vital to horse racing’s success – particularly in Japan – and outlined several safeguarding initiatives for the sport.

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Global views on the thoroughbred breeding industry

Global views on the thoroughbred breeding industry

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Global views on the thoroughbred breeding industry

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A panel of key players in the breeding sector has raised several major issues vital to the sustainability of thoroughbred breeding, including rising costs, staff shortages and the loss of racecourses.

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Horse welfare is racing’s biggest global challenge

Horse welfare is racing’s biggest global challenge

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Horse welfare is racing’s biggest global challenge

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Leading welfare and integrity expert Mr. Jamie Stier has called for greater collaboration between racing authorities, scientists and researchers to overcome equine welfare concerns, which he describes as “the single biggest challenge facing the global horse racing industry.”

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Big changes across the ARF footprint

Big changes across the ARF footprint

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Big changes across the ARF footprint

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The growth of racing in the Gulf region was a key feature of a session titled Developments: Big Changes Across The ARF Footprint, on day 2 of the 40th Asian Racing Conference at Sapporo, Japan.

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Advanced technology an asset and obstacle in combatting illegal wagering, and the new age threat of gene doping

Advanced technology an asset and obstacle in combatting illegal wagering, and the new age threat of gene doping

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Advanced technology an asset and obstacle in combatting illegal wagering, and the new age threat of gene doping

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In a session titled ‘Integrity: Tackling New-Age Threats’ at the 40th Asian Racing Conference (ARC) in Sapporo, Japan on Thursday (29 August), members of the Asian Racing Federation (ARF) Council on Anti-Illegal Betting and Related Financial Crime outlined threats posed by the illegal wagering market and advancing technology, and delegates learned of the emerging integrity challenge in the form of gene doping.

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Asian Racing Conference discusses betting trends and breathtaking World Pool benefits

Asian Racing Conference discusses betting trends and breathtaking World Pool benefits

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Asian Racing Conference discusses betting trends and breathtaking World Pool benefits

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Leading wagering experts have lauded the transformative powers of World Pool at the 40th Asian Racing Conference in Sapporo, Japan, but also expressed concerns over regulatory challenges and taxation issues as the sport is buffeted by economic headwinds.

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Horse racing’s connection with popular culture is explored at the 40th Asian Racing Conference

Horse racing’s connection with popular culture is explored at the 40th Asian Racing Conference

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Horse racing’s connection with popular culture is explored at the 40th Asian Racing Conference

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The integration of horse racing into popular culture through the deeds of equine champions, including Australia’s Winx and Japan’s Equinox, was explored at the 40th Asian Racing Conference on Wednesday, 28 August, at the Sapporo Convention Center in Sapporo.

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Asian Racing Conference urged to give fans what they want

Asian Racing Conference urged to give fans what they want

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Asian Racing Conference urged to give fans what they want

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The 40th Asian Racing Conference in Sapporo, Japan, was told of the importance of fan engagement and the need to attract young people to racing at an early age to hopefully create a lifelong interest in the sport.

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Collaboration key to horse racing’s future as ARF Chair Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges calls on industry leaders to unite

Collaboration key to horse racing’s future as ARF Chair Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges calls on industry leaders to unite

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Collaboration key to horse racing’s future as ARF Chair Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges calls on industry leaders to unite

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Delivering a keynote presentation at the Sapporo Convention Center in Sapporo, Japan, on Wednesday (28 August), Mr. Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Chair of the Asian Racing Federation (ARF) and Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, outlined four key challenges horse racing must overcome if the sport desires prosperity and longevity.

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Re-election of ARF Chair and Vice-Chairs

Re-election of ARF Chair and Vice-Chairs

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Re-election of ARF Chair and Vice-Chairs

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The Asian Racing Federation (ARF) Executive Council has re-elected Mr. Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges as Chair, and Mr. Masayuki Goto and Mr. Mohammad Saeed Al Shehhi as Vice-Chairs, at its meeting in Sapporo, Japan on the eve of the 40th Asian Racing Conference (ARC).

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40th Asian Racing Conference opens in Sapporo, Japan

40th Asian Racing Conference opens in Sapporo, Japan

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40th Asian Racing Conference opens in Sapporo, Japan

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The 40th Asian Racing Conference (ARC) opened last evening (Tuesday, 27 August) in its inaugural host country, with the Japan Racing Association (JRA) in conjunction with the Asian Racing Federation (ARF), staging the event from 27 August to 1 September in Sapporo.

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ARF Publishes the Third Edition of the ARF Newsletter

ARF Publishes the Third Edition of the ARF Newsletter

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ARF Publishes the Third Edition of the ARF Newsletter

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The Asian Racing Federation (ARF) is pleased to share with you the third edition of the ARF Newsletter, which highlights key races, news and developments across the ARF membership; an in-depth profile of the Korea Racing Authority; updates on the key initiatives of the ARF and its committees; and an upcoming event on the horizon.

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ARF Chairman bestowed with “The Order of The Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon” at Conferment Ceremony

ARF Chairman bestowed with “The Order of The Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon” at Conferment Ceremony

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ARF Chairman bestowed with “The Order of The Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon” at Conferment Ceremony

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“The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon” was bestowed upon the ARF Chairman, Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, by the Government of Japan at a Conferment Ceremony hosted by Ambassador Okada Kenichi, Consul-General of Japan in Hong Kong on 2 July 2024.

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The National Association of Racing (NAR), Japan is granted with ARF Affiliate membership

The National Association of Racing (NAR), Japan is granted with ARF Affiliate membership

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The National Association of Racing (NAR), Japan is granted with ARF Affiliate membership

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The Executive Council of the Asian Racing Federation (ARF) is delighted to announce that it has granted the National Association of Racing (NAR), Japan with Affiliate membership of the ARF...

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40th Asian Racing Conference Second Announcement Published

40th Asian Racing Conference Second Announcement Published

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40th Asian Racing Conference Second Announcement Published

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The Asian Racing Federation (ARF) and the Japan Racing Association (JRA) are delighted to share with you the release of the Second Announcement which includes key information related to the Business Programme and the International Forum for the Aftercare of Racehorses (IFAR) Conference.

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ARF Chairman Awarded "The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon" by the Government of Japan

ARF Chairman Awarded "The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon" by the Government of Japan

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ARF Chairman Awarded "The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon" by the Government of Japan

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The ARF Chairman, Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, has been awarded "The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon" by the Government of Japan in the 2024 Spring Conferment of Decorations on Foreign Nationals.

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Mohammad Saeed Al Shehhi elected Vice-Chairman of Asian Racing Federation

Mohammad Saeed Al Shehhi elected Vice-Chairman of Asian Racing Federation

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Mohammad Saeed Al Shehhi elected Vice-Chairman of Asian Racing Federation

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The Executive Council of the Asian Racing Federation (ARF) has unanimously elected Mohammad Saeed Al Shehhi, Board Member and General Manager of the Emirates Racing Authority (ERA), as one of the ARF’s two Vice-Chairmen. This is the first time a representative of the ERA has been appointed to a senior leadership role in the ARF.

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Reinstatement of Direct Exports of Registered Equines from South Africa to the European Union

Reinstatement of Direct Exports of Registered Equines from South Africa to the European Union

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Reinstatement of Direct Exports of Registered Equines from South Africa to the European Union

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The Asian Racing Federation (ARF) is pleased to announce that South African Equine Health and Protocols (SAEHP) has published an official release with regard to the re-opening of European Union (EU) export markets to the various equine disciplines in South Africa.

Member Update

Fifth Renewal of The Saudi Cup Showcases the Very Best of International Racing

Fifth Renewal of The Saudi Cup Showcases the Very Best of International Racing

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Fifth Renewal of The Saudi Cup Showcases the Very Best of International Racing

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This February saw the fifth running of The Saudi Cup, which brought together the best horses, trainers and jockeys from around the world to compete over two days of the highest quality racing at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh.

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40th Asian Racing Conference Registrations Open

40th Asian Racing Conference Registrations Open

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40th Asian Racing Conference Registrations Open

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The Asian Racing Federation and the Japan Racing Association are delighted to invite you to the 40th Asian Racing Conference (ARC) to be held in Sapporo, Japan from Tuesday, 27 August to Sunday, 1 September 2024.

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ARF Publishes Member Profile on the Korea Racing Authority

ARF Publishes Member Profile on the Korea Racing Authority

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ARF Publishes Member Profile on the Korea Racing Authority

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The Asian Racing Federation (ARF) is delighted to share with you the latest edition of the ARF Member Profile featuring the Korea Racing Authority (KRA), which celebrates 100 years of horseracing in Korea and highlights the KRA's exciting new developments and initiatives.

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The 57th International Conference of Horseracing Authorities - Equine Welfare Highlighted

The 57th International Conference of Horseracing Authorities - Equine Welfare Highlighted

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The 57th International Conference of Horseracing Authorities - Equine Welfare Highlighted

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The 57th International Conference of Horseracing Authorities, organised by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA), took place on the 2nd of October in Paris, France at Saint-Cloud Racecourse. The focus of this year’s Conference was on safeguarding equine welfare and exploring shifts in societal expectations as well as the sport’s response around the world.

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Asian Racing Federation publishes “How Organised Crime Operates Illegal Betting, Cyber Scams & Modern Slavery in Southeast Asia” report

Asian Racing Federation publishes “How Organised Crime Operates Illegal Betting, Cyber Scams & Modern Slavery in Southeast Asia” report

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Asian Racing Federation publishes “How Organised Crime Operates Illegal Betting, Cyber Scams & Modern Slavery in Southeast Asia” report

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The Asian Racing Federation Council on Anti-illegal Betting and Related Financial Crime (“the ARF Council”) released today (10 October, 2023) a new publication: “How Organised Crime Operates Illegal Betting, Cyber Scams & Modern Slavery in Southeast Asia”.

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International Horse Sports Confederation President and Vice-President Lead First Major Delegation to China

International Horse Sports Confederation President and Vice-President Lead First Major Delegation to China

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International Horse Sports Confederation President and Vice-President Lead First Major Delegation to China

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On 21 August 2023, ARF Chairman Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, in his capacity as International Horse Sports Confederation (IHSC) President and together with IHSC Vice-President Ingmar De Vos, led a senior delegation of the IHSC on a multi-day visit to China to meet with key ministries and equine sports bodies.‍

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ARF Publishes the Second Edition of the ARF Newsletter

ARF Publishes the Second Edition of the ARF Newsletter

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ARF Publishes the Second Edition of the ARF Newsletter

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The Asian Racing Federation (ARF) is pleased to share with you the July 2023 edition of the ARF Newsletter, which features the latest developments across the ARF membership, recent initiatives by the ARF and its committees and upcoming events on the horizon.

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40th ARC - Save the Date

40th ARC - Save the Date

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40th ARC - Save the Date

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The Asian Racing Federation is pleased to announce that the 40th Asian Racing Conference will be held from Tuesday 27 August to Sunday 1 September 2024 in Sapporo on the island of Hokkaido, Japan. Please stay tuned for further details to be announced in due course.

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Cessation of thoroughbred racing in Singapore

Cessation of thoroughbred racing in Singapore

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Cessation of thoroughbred racing in Singapore

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The Asian Racing Federation acknowledges with surprise the recent decision of the Singapore Government to cease all thoroughbred racing in Singapore from October 2024 after 180 years.