HRH Princess Haya Al Hussein, one of the most prominent leaders in equine sport, will be the keynote speaker at the 50th International Conference of Horseracing Authorities, organized by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA), on the 3rd of October 2016 in Paris, France.
As President of the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) from 2006 to 2014, HRH Princess Haya led the global equestrian sports governing body to a number of significant milestones, including the FEI Solidarity programme, FEI Clean Sport, an affiliation with the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), a 10-year term partnership with the renowned Swiss watchmaker Longines, and the securing of numerous long-term broadcast arrangements for the distribution of equestrian sport. Also during her tenure, the FEI and the IFHA joined forces to create the International Horse Sports Confederation (IHSC) as a vehicle for dialogue and cooperation between the two global federations on a number of fundamental issues such as horse welfare, movement of horses, and doping control. HRH Princess Haya has also been a noted owner of racehorses and was the leading owner in Great Britain in 2008, highlighted by the Epsom Derby victory of New Approach. She received the Longines Ladies Award in 2015.
“Her Royal Highness Princess Haya has been one of the most prominent figures in equestrian sport throughout Her distinguished career,” said Louis Romanet, IFHA Chairman. “Her accomplishments as an Olympian, as FEI President, and as a racehorse owner are equally matched by Her charitable endeavours and humanitarian efforts throughout the global community. It is an honour that HRH Princess Haya will address the IFHA at the 50th International Conference of Horseracing Authorities.”
Chairman Romanet will also feature at the Conference to commemorate the accomplishments of the past 50 years of the annual forum as well as to address the core opportunities and challenges to international horse racing for the future.
The three Vice-Chairmen of the IFHA will lead the other main sessions of the Conference. Horse Racing Ireland Chief Executive Brian Kavanagh will oversee the topic “Promoting and Attracting Racehorse Ownership”, Jockey Club (USA) President and COO Jim Gagliano will moderate a panel titled, “Providing Aftercare Solutions at a Global Level”, and Hong Kong Jockey Club CEO Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges will chair the session “Strategies to Secure and Grow Revenues for Racing.”
The full agenda of the 50th International Conference of Horseracing Authorities will be released in the weeks leading into the Conference.
A live video stream of the Open Forum of the International Conference of Horseracing Authorities will be available on the IFHA’s website. A replay of the live video stream and presentations will be available in the days following the event.
The first International Conference of Horseracing Authorities was organized and hosted by the Société d'Encouragement in Paris, France, on October 9, 1967, under the chairmanship of its Director General, Jean Romanet, the father of Louis. Since 1994, the annual conference has been organized by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities at France Galop and chaired by Louis Romanet. 2016 marks the 50th Conference.
About the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA):
The International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) is the world peak body for the international sport of Thoroughbred racing. Its 60 members are the national racing authorities across the globe which stage Thoroughbred races.
Major areas of the IFHA’s activities include:
• Making and amending the International Agreement on Breeding, Racing and Wagering (the IABRW)
• Policy development relating to welfare and safety of horses and riders
• International Race Planning and Grading (“black type”)
• World Rankings
• Equine Prohibited Substances and Practices
• Harmonization of Race Day Rules
• Fostering commercial development of the racing industry globally
The IFHA is a foundation member with Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) of the International Horse Sports Confederation and is affiliated to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).
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