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Wednesday, October 10, 2012Contact: Aki Akitani
+ 33 1 49 10 22 61
IFHA Members Committed to Adapt To Changing Environments Locally and Internationally

Louis Romanet, who chaired the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities’ 46th Annual International Conference held in Paris, France on October 8th, believes that the conference participation of 52 different racing nations signals a commitment to implement best practices and harmonize regulations.

He stated, “The 46th annual International Conference of Horseracing Authorities displayed the commitment of global horse racing bodies to adapt to a changing and challenging environment both locally and internationally. The presence of representatives from 52 countries enables a critical information exchange that allows for best practices and harmonized regulation to be developed and implemented.”

Closing remarks by IFHA Chairman Louis Romanet are found here.

As the keynote speaker of the conference, Bertrand Belinguier, Chairman of France Galop, emphasized that to best way to grow the sport of horseracing in the face of current challenges and maintain the independence of racing, horseracing bodies must control betting, maintain strong relations with legislators and policy makers, increase media awareness to expose racing to new audiences, and encourage racehorse partnerships to attract new owners. Belinguier also reaffirmed the force of the International Agreement, the importance of the integrity and welfare of the horse, the necessity of a fair return of revenues to the industry and the facilitation of commingling agreements.

Additionally, reports and presentations were made from executives representing the European & Mediterranean Horseracing Federation, Asian Racing Federation, The U.S. Jockey Club, Jockey Club Ceske Repbliky (Czech Republic Jockey Club), O.S.A.F. (Organización Sudamericana de Fomento del Pura Sangre de Carreras), IFHA, France Galop, Australian Racing Board, A.S.S.I., Business in Sport and Leisure, and the Hong Kong Jockey Club

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 International Federation of Horseracing Authorities at France Galop.
E-Mail : secretarygeneral@ifhaonline.org