The PowerPoint presentations and video replay from the 57th International Conference of Horseracing Authorities, which was organized by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA), can now be found at the IFHA website (ifhaonline.org) or by following the direct link at ifhaonline.org/default.asp?section=Resources&area=10&conf=57&cYr=2023. Additionally, the replay of the International Conference for the Health, Safety and Welfare of Jockeys (ICHSWJ) is also available on the IFHA website or by following the direct link at ifhaonline.org/default.asp?section=Resources&area=10&conf=23&cYr=2023.

The IFHA Conference was held on 2 October at Saint-Cloud Racecourse in Paris, France, and was chaired by Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges. This year’s gathering focused on safeguarding equine welfare and exploring shifts in societal expectations as well as the racing industry’s response around the world. It examined both immediate concerns and forward-looking initiatives to protect and promote equine welfare.

The first International Conference of Horseracing Authorities was organized and hosted by the Société d'Encouragement in Paris, France, on October 9, 1967. Since 1994, the annual conference has been organized by the IFHA. The first meeting had 14 attendees from nine countries, while this year’s Conference convened delegates from about 40 different countries with a number of other racing executives and media members also in attendance. The JRA became the official partner of the Conference beginning in 2021.

The ICHSWJ was held 28 September at Auteuil Racecourse in Paris, following a hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The ICHSWJ featured presentations and panels on concussions, spinal injuries, and mental health and psychological fitness before concluding with recently retired third-generation jockey Tom Scudamore providing his reflections on the Conference.