Thursday 12 February, 2026 – A week of insight, thought leadership and discussion about the future of horse racing concluded with a call for global collaboration before a spectacular laser show at the Closing Ceremony of the 41st Asian Racing Conference in Riyadh.
Organised by the Asian Racing Federation and hosted by the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia, the three-day business programme wrapped up on Thursday, and throughout the week’s 10 expert-filled sessions one over-riding theme became apparent.
“If there is one message that cuts across all our discussions, it is this: the future of horse racing is under threat and can only be secured by working together to address the key challenges we face,” Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Asian Racing Federation Chair and Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, told the assembled delegates.
“I firmly believe we now have a mandate for change. We must act now. We must think and cooperate globally and implement nationally.”
Mr Engelbrecht-Bresges said the sport should be excited and energised by the possibilities AI could bring, and it needs to keep pace with competitors who have been early adopters, but the sport must also note its social license and responsibilities.
“We learned from them (the week’s speakers) to be more data-centric to become more customer-centric. To improve both broadcast and customer engagement. While it is important that we embrace technology to enhance the customer experience, we should not lose sight that equine welfare is key for the long-term sustainability of the sport.”
He said the varied line-up of topics throughout the week had exposed a number of challenges, but the vision and objectives were clear, and it was time to execute.
“We must create heroes, create global competitions where the best meet the best, and create platforms with holistic storytelling to increase our fan base and promote our sport globally. We must use technology to create new digital onsite and online experiences,” he said.
“We must be more agile and embrace global initiatives like the World Pool to better compete against sports betting, i-gaming and other entertainment offerings. We must fight increasing threats posed by the illegal market and the constraints from over-regulation of the legal market.”
He also urged a wider remit and more resources to the IFHA Council on Anti-Illegal Betting and Related Crime, to prevent over-regulation at the national level, and on welfare he urged continued investment in science and technology to minimise the risk of catastrophic breakdowns and sudden death.
Following Thursday’s extensive sessions on horse welfare and a diverse debate around the long-term sustainability of the sport, the Closing Ceremony was a celebration of Saudi Arabia’s love of horses with a spectacular laser display creating the effect of horses riding around the enthralled delegates at the venue.
“Having talked to many of you over the course of the week, it is clear that this global Conference is widely seen as a success of the Asian Racing Federation. To you, I say thank you for your enthusiasm, engagement and commitment to racing. It is your energy that has brought the Conference to life,” said Mr Engelbrecht-Bresges.
It was announced during the Closing Ceremony that New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing would host the 42nd ARC in Auckland in 2028.
All photos courtesy of the Asian Racing Federation/ Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia
